Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Although varicella is typically a mild disease, there can be long-term skin scarring and serious complications requiring hospitalisation. Of the 58,000 cases of chickenpox that occur in Ireland every year, approximately one in every 250 will result in hospitalisation with the associated complications. The estimated effectiveness of one-dose and two-dose vaccination strategies was obtained from an overview of the reviews of the clinical effectiveness of the varicella vaccination. The HTA found that the introduction of one dose of the vaccine to the schedule would reduce severe disease, including hospitalisations, and overall occurrences. In addition, it was found that the introduction of two doses of the vaccine has the potential to further reduce the number of cases and eliminate chickenpox. I will certainly relay the Deputy's comments to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. A decision will be made on this matter shortly.

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