MEETING ABSTRACT Open Access Chickenpox vaccination

Varicella is a common viral disease affecting almost the entire birth cohort. Some cases of varicella can be serious, with 2-6 % of complications. The hospitalization rate for varicella in Europe ranges from 1.3 to 4.5 per 100,000 population/year and up to 10.1 % of hospitalized patients report permanent or possible permanent sequelae. In countries where routine childhood vaccination against varicella has been implemented, it has had a positive effect on disease prevention and control. Mathematical models indicate that this intervention strategy may provide eco-nomic benefits for the individual and society[1]. Despite this evidence and recommendations for varicella vaccination by official bodies such as the World Health Organization and scientific experts in the field, in Italy the last National Plan for Vaccine Prevention 2012-2014 say