Is it time for varicella vaccine in Ireland?

Prior to the introduction of the varicella vaccine, the estimated annual US incidence of chickenpox was 4 million cases, 11 000 admissions and 100 deaths.1 In Ireland, the varicella vaccine is currently recommended for “at risk” populations, not part of the routine paediatric immunisation schedule.2 We undertook this study to explore the maternal understanding of “routine” paediatric varicella infection; we also wanted to ascertain the attitudes of parents to the use of the varicella vaccine for their child. Postpartum mothers were selected as a captive audience. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the attitudes and knowledge of Irish mothers with relation to vaccination. Consenting mothers were interviewed prior to discharge and data …