Chickenpox vaccine

A Jab Well Done! Babies in Ireland Will Soon Get the Chickenpox Vaccine at 12 Months

Say goodbye to chickenpox rashes! New changes in Ireland's immunisation schedule mean babies will receive their chickenpox vaccine at just 12 months.

In an exciting update for parents in Ireland, the HSE has announced that the chickenpox vaccine will be added to the childhood immunisation schedule. Effective from October 1, 2024, babies will receive this vaccine when they reach 12 months of age. This crucial change comes in response to the increasing number of chickenpox cases, with 170 cases requiring hospitalisation this year alone, marking the highest number seen in recent years. Dr. Chantal Migone from the HSE National Immunisation Office expressed their delight about this development, highlighting the benefits it will bring to the health and wellbeing of children.

Chickenpox may seem like a harmless childhood illness, but the statistics tell a different story. In fact, cases of hospitalisation are most common among children aged 1-9 years, and the condition can lead to serious complications like meningitis—of which there have been four cases since 2018. The introduction of this free vaccine aims to protect the youngest among us from these severe consequences and help curb the overall spread of the virus.

The chickenpox jab will be integrated into the current immunisation scheme, which includes other important vaccinations for babies. This means that parents can rest easy knowing that their little ones will be protected against chickenpox alongside diseases such as measles and mumps. Not only is this change timely, but it's also a big step towards improved public health, making Ireland a safer place for children to grow up.

Intriguingly, chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can linger in the body and reactivate later in life as shingles, causing painful rashes. Vaccination not only protects the children receiving it but also provides herd immunity, helping to shield those who may not be able to get vaccinated due to health issues. So, as we welcome this new vaccine into our lives, let’s celebrate not just the protection it offers but the positive impact it has on the community as a whole!

And here's a fun fact: The chickenpox vaccine has shown to be about 90% effective at preventing the illness and, for those who do contract chickenpox after vaccination, it typically results in a milder case. So, mark your calendars for October 1, 2024—your baby's health is about to get a major upgrade!