Second Dose of Chickenpox Vaccine Begins as Experts Evaluate the Process
The Ministry of Health has initiated the second dose period for the chickenpox vaccine, including children aged 4-6 in the routine schedule. Experts warned against vaccine safety concerns and stroke risks.
The second dose period for the chickenpox vaccine, which has been administered as a single dose in Turkey since 2013, officially began as of September 2026. Within the scope of the Ministry of Health's new application, children between the ages of 4 and 6 were added to the routine schedule, while catch-up vaccination was implemented for children between 49 and 72 months.
Second Dose Period for the Chickenpox Vaccine
The Ministry of Health has started the second dose period for the chickenpox vaccine, which has been applied as a single dose since 2013. As of September 2026, children aged 4-6 were added to the routine schedule, and catch-up vaccination was introduced for children aged 49 to 72 months.
This new regulation aims to prevent small-scale increases in cases that may be seen in schools and kindergartens.
Protection Rate is Increasing
Pediatrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Yakup Çağ stated that a single dose of the vaccine provides 82-85% protection, but this rate decreases over time. It is stated that the second dose application raises the protection rate to 98-100% levels.
Side Effect and Safety Status
Responding to parents' concerns about vaccine safety, Prof. Dr. Yakup Çağ said that the second dose is extremely safe. It was reported that mild side effects such as pain at the application site, mild fever, redness, and restlessness may occur.
Other Age Groups and Exceptions
It is recommended that children whose history of having had the disease naturally is doubtful should be vaccinated if there is no physician evidence. For children aged 7 and over who are not included in the Ministry program, it is stated that families can obtain the vaccine for a fee.
Serious Risks of Chickenpox
Pediatric Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Dilara Füsun İçağasıoğlu emphasized that chickenpox is not just a mild disease. She warned that the Varicella-Zoster virus can cause narrowing and blockage in brain vessels, triggering risks such as stroke or paralysis.