HSE adds chickenpox vaccine to childhood immunisation schedule

The HSE has announced a series of changes to the primary childhood immunisation schedule, applicable to all babies born on or after 1 October 2024. This includes the introduction of the varicella vaccine. There are no changes to the number of general practice visits required. They remain at two, four, six, 12, and 13 months.

The major changes include:

• At six months: Removal of the dose of meningitis C (men C) vaccine;
• At 12 months: Introduction of varicella vaccine;
• At 13 months: Replacement of the combined Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (HIB)/men C with a six-in-one and a men C vaccine at 13 months.

Dr Chantal Migone, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office, said: “We are delighted that the chickenpox vaccine is now part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule as has been recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. All babies born from 1 October 2024 will be offered the new childhood immunisation schedule, which includes chickenpox vaccine at 12 months of age.

“Many parents might consider chickenpox to be a mild illness, but for some babies, chickenpox and its complications can be very serious, resulting in hospitalisation for 170 cases last year, and in rare cases, even death. Adding the chickenpox vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule will ensure the best protection for babies and far fewer serious cases of the disease…. Vaccination is safe, effective, and essential for community immunity.”

The HSE’s Winter Vaccination Programme is now also underway with the roll-out of the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines to recommended groups. Both vaccines are recommended for people aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, and anyone who is pregnant or has a long-term health condition. Last winter in 2023, over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and over 7,000 people were hospitalised with Covid-19. The HSE has also launched its free nasal spray flu vaccination programme, which is available for all children aged two to 17 years.

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