Armenia to introduce chickenpox vaccination program next year

Armenia plans to add the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine to the national immunization schedule next year, Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said on Monday.

Speaking at a parliament debate on the 2024 draft state budget, the minister said the chickenpox vaccination program would first be introduced for conscripts.

“It’s a significant step since cases among this age group may be severe and spread quickly. Thus, it’s essential for us to introduce vaccination for conscripts as a first step," Avanesyan said.

Children will next be vaccinated as part of the program.