Babies born from this month are now going to be offered the chickenpox vaccine for free.
It will be offered to 12 month old babies following advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).
Chickenpox is very contagious and mainly affects children under the age of 10.
The HSE says from 1 October will be offered the new childhood immunisation schedule, which includes chickenpox vaccine at 12 months.
NIAC has also recommended the replacement of the combined HIB/MenC vaccine with a 6-in-1 and a MenC vaccine at 13 months.
There are no changes to the number of GP visits required for babies. The five visits remain at two months, four months, six months, 12 months and 13 months.
WJHJNY A two year old boy suffers from Chickenpox. also known as varicellaDr Chantal Migone, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office said, some cases of chickenpox can be a very serious.
“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.
Dr Migone, also urged parents to make sure they bring their baby to all of their scheduled vaccination appointments.
"Following the schedule and making sure your baby completes the recommended vaccines on time every time ensures they have important protection from many potentially serious and preventable diseases.
"Don’t forget to bring along your baby’s blue immunisation passport to each appointment to keep record of each vaccine your baby receives. If you’re not sure if your baby has had all their recommended vaccines, talk to your GP or GP nurse for advice".
