Swedish Government Proposes Chickenpox Vaccine for Children

The Swedish government plans to introduce chickenpox vaccination for children into the national general vaccination program.

Simultaneously, a temporary initiative is planned to offer catch-up vaccination to children up to 18 years old who have not yet been protected.

The Public Health Agency will receive three million kronor in 2026 to prepare for the introduction, including vaccine procurement and information campaigns, according to the proposal.

– Chickenpox can mean long sick days, severe itching, and sometimes serious complications for many children. By making the vaccine available to all children, we strengthen child health, reduce pressure on schools and healthcare, and make everyday life easier for parents. This is an initiative that increases family security and contributes to a more equitable society, says Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.

The vaccination is expected to protect children, reduce healthcare pressure, and lower costs for caring for sick children. From 2027, regions will receive 43 million kronor annually for vaccinations. For catch-up vaccination, 49 million kronor is allocated for 2027 and 51 million for 2028.

– We protect children, relieve healthcare, and reduce costs, says Social Minister Jakob Forssmed.

The proposal is based on an agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats. It is submitted with the budget proposal for 2026 on September 22.

“Too Late”

The Social Democrats' healthcare and social policy spokesperson Fredrik Lundh Sammeli comments on the proposal:

“The government promises chickenpox vaccine, but not until 2027. That is far too late. Every year, tens of thousands of children fall ill unnecessarily, and healthcare bears the burden. We Social Democrats have already allocated funds for this to be a reality this year. Delaying it another two years by the government and SD is irresponsible. Children's health must come first,” he writes in an email.