Swedish Government to Provide Free Chickenpox Vaccine for All Children

Starting next year, Sweden will add the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine to its national childhood immunisation programme. The vaccine will be offered free of charge in two doses – the first at 18 months through child health centres and the second at ages 7‑8 via school health services – to children who have not previously had the disease.

Social Minister Jakob Forssmed announced a temporary catch‑up scheme for children aged 5‑17 who missed the programme, funded at 49 million SEK in 2027 and about 51 million SEK annually thereafter. The regular annual cost for the free vaccine is projected at 43 million SEK from 2027. The goal is to eliminate chickenpox and reduce related complications and antibiotic use. The change required an amendment to the infectious disease regulations approved by the government.

Chickenpox is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including bacterial infections and later shingles, underscoring the public‑health rationale for the new policy.