[Varicella vaccination].

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Chickenpox (varicella) is often mild but can cause severe complications.
• A safe and effective chickenpox vaccine exists and is widely used globally.
• Denmark has not adopted universal chickenpox vaccination due to concerns about disease burden and herpes zoster.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on the disease burden of chickenpox in Denmark.
• To discuss the implications of introducing a universal chickenpox vaccination program in Denmark.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on chickenpox epidemiology and vaccine impact.
• Analysis of disease burden data specific to Denmark.
• Discussion of potential effects on herpes zoster incidence and age distribution.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes available data on chickenpox incidence, severity, and complications in Denmark.
• It addresses concerns regarding potential increases in herpes zoster (shingles) following widespread varicella vaccination.
• The potential impact of vaccination on the age distribution of chickenpox cases is considered.

Conclusions:

• Further data on Denmark's specific chickenpox disease burden is needed.
• A comprehensive assessment is required to weigh the benefits of vaccination against concerns about herpes zoster and potential age shifts.