Home / Health / Thousands Hospitalized for Chickenpox: Experts Urge MMRV Vaccine
Thousands Hospitalized for Chickenpox: Experts Urge MMRV Vaccine
30 Oct
Summary
- Over 3,000 children hospitalized for common chickenpox infections.
- Children under five, especially under one, are most severely affected.
- New MMRV vaccine now includes protection against chickenpox starting 2026.
Recent figures reveal a significant toll from chickenpox, with over 3,000 children and young people under 18 requiring hospital treatment for the common illness. Experts emphasize that those aged five and under were most affected, accounting for over 70% of clinical reports. Infants under one year old experienced the highest hospitalization rates.
In response, health authorities are urging increased vaccination. The combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which protects against chickenpox, will be integrated into the routine childhood immunization schedule from January 1, 2026. Two doses will be offered at 12 and 18 months.
A catch-up program is also planned. From November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028, children born between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022, who haven't had chickenpox will be eligible for the MMRV vaccine.
This proactive measure aims to prevent severe complications and hospital admissions, ensuring a healthier start for children and reducing school absences attributed to the disease.
