The national vaccination programme will be expanded in autumn 2026 to include varicella vaccinations against chickenpox. Going forward, the vaccination will be offered to adults aged 20–50 who do not have immunity to chickenpox, either through previous infection or vaccination. There have been no changes to the chickenpox vaccination programme for children.
Vaccinations are due to begin in autumn 2026. Vaccinations are primarily administered during healthcare appointments, for example at health stations and through student health care, including during conscription call-up examinations, during appointments relating to contraception, and as part of the DTaP vaccinations for 25-year-olds.
The first to receive the vaccine will be
- people who are about to start taking medication or undergoing treatment that weakens their immune system
- those planning a pregnancy
- those born between 2000 and 2005
- healthcare staff.
You are protected against chickenpox and do not need the vaccine if:
- you are over 50 years old
- you have received two chickenpox vaccinations at least one month apart
- you have had chickenpox
- you have had a mild case of chickenpox when over one year old
- you have had shingles
- you have cared for someone with chickenpox or lived in the same household as someone with chickenpox.