13% of children born after 2023 vaccinated against chickenpox

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia has introduced a chickenpox vaccination program starting in 2025, targeting individuals born after 2023 who are at least one year old, as well as those of pre-conscription and conscription age. The rollout is proceeding smoothly, according to Stepan Atoyan, Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Atoyan stated that 13% of those born after 2023 have already received the chickenpox vaccine, as reported by Aysor.am .

He clarified that while vaccination is not legally mandatory for individuals of pre-conscription and conscription age, it is "encouraged."

Addressing the spread of measles, Atoyan noted that the disease remains prevalent globally. With the holiday season approaching, the likelihood of citizens contracting measles abroad increases. He emphasized the importance of public vigilance but highlighted that Armenia maintains a high level of measles vaccination coverage.

Armenia has experienced periodic chickenpox outbreaks, with the most significant occurring in 2022. The chickenpox vaccination is being implemented in phases. Initially, it targets one-year-old children and individuals of pre-conscription age. Starting in 2027, the vaccine will be administered according to the national immunization schedule: the first dose at age one and the second dose between ages four and six, similar to the measles and rubella vaccination schedule.