Armenia Introduces First-Ever Chickenpox Vaccination Program

INTERVIEW: Armenia has taken a new step in public health by launching its first-ever nationwide vaccination program against chickenpox. The Ministry of Health of Armenia announced that the phased rollout of the vaccine began on January 31, aiming to protect young children from the contagious disease.

For the first time, Armenia's primary healthcare organizations have received a chickenpox vaccine that meets the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The vaccination program’s initial phase focuses on children born after November 1, 2023. Those who reach the age of 12 months and do not have documented proof of previous chickenpox vaccination or infection will be eligible for the shot. The government’s goal is to ensure that young children develop immunity early, reducing the risk of outbreaks and severe complications related to the disease.

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a common childhood illness that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, and fatigue. While most children experience mild cases, the disease can lead to serious complications such as bacterial infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, encephalitis (brain inflammation). The risk of severe illness is higher in adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Armenian Report reached out to U.S.-based pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, who authored the book Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Difficult Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity , to understand the benefits and potential concerns regarding the chickenpox vaccine.

The Benefits of Vaccination

Dr. Warsh highlighted several advantages of introducing the chickenpox vaccine in Armenia:

• Prevention of Disease: The vaccine significantly lowers the chances of getting chickenpox, reducing both individual and community-wide risks.

• Milder Symptoms in Breakthrough Cases: In rare instances where vaccinated individuals still contract chickenpox, the symptoms tend to be much milder, with fewer blisters and little to no fever.

• Reduced Transmission: Mass vaccination efforts help curb the spread of the virus, protecting vulnerable groups such as newborns, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

• Lower Risk of Shingles: The varicella vaccine has also been linked to a decreased risk of developing shingles later in life, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

  
  

Potential Concerns and Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the chickenpox shot comes with some risks, though they are generally mild. Dr. Warsh noted the following potential side effects:

• Mild Reactions: Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild rash, or a slight fever.

• Rare Adverse Effects: Serious reactions such as pneumonia, seizures, or anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) are extremely uncommon but possible.

• Breakthrough Infections: While the vaccine is highly effective, it does not provide 100% immunity. Some vaccinated individuals may still contract a mild form of chickenpox.

• Shingles Concerns: Some studies have suggested a possible increased risk of shingles later in life due to childhood vaccination, though research on this topic remains inconclusive.

The introduction of the chickenpox vaccine is expected to improve public health in Armenia. 

The phased vaccination program reflects Armenia’s commitment to aligning with international immunization standards.