The Health Service Executive has confirmed that the chickenpox vaccine will now be provided free of charge to all infants born on or after 1 October 2024, reports RTE.
Children will be eligible to receive the vaccine once they reach 12 months of age, as part of the standard immunisation schedule offered through general practitioners.
Dr Ciara Martin, a consultant in Emergency Medicine, described the news as a “great celebration”, reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she noted that there had been a wait for the rollout: “waiting a while” for it to be introduced.
She explained that while chickenpox is generally a mild illness, it can sometimes lead to more serious issues, such as skin infections, viral pneumonia, and, in rare cases, neurological complications, reports RTE.
Dr Martin said this was an appropriate time to introduce the vaccine, given recent updates to the vaccination programme.
“It was felt that this is a good time to start it now, when we’re just settling into a new schedule of vaccinations that will continue for the next five or six years,” she said, reports RTE.
“It’s been a little slow to come through, that is true, but I think that the focus is that we have it now … it’s a safe vaccine. It certainly has been available for a number of years,” reports RTE.
She added that “unfortunately” parents of children born before 1 October 2024 would still need to cover the cost of the vaccine themselves.
Dr Martin also highlighted concerns around the current vaccine uptake rate, noting it stands at around 85-90%, which she said is “a little concerning”, since a rate of 95% is needed for herd immunity.
Dr Chantal Migone, consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office, said she was “delighted” by the addition of the vaccine to the national schedule, reports RTE.
“While chickenpox is often seen as a mild illness, it can sometimes cause serious complications needing hospitalisation in children,” she said, reports RTE.
“Vaccination at 12 months gives babies important protection against chickenpox and also helps protect the wider community”, reports RTE.
Dr Patrick Kelly of the Irish College of GPs encouraged parents to get in touch with their GP once their child approaches their first birthday.
“Getting vaccines on time, every time is the best way to protect your child,” he said, reports RTE.
“Your GP and GP practice nurse can answer any questions you have and make sure your baby gets everything they need at the right visit,” reports RTE.
The HSE also reminded parents to ensure children receive all vaccinations on time—at two, four, six, 12, and 13 months of age.
They also advised families to bring their child’s blue immunisation passport to each vaccination appointment, reports RTE.
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