The road from personal protection to universal immunization against chickenpox in Hungary

Abstract

Varicella is a highly contagious disease. In countries without a vaccination program, the majority of incident cases (52–78%) occur in children under 6 years of age, increasing to 89–96% among those under 12 years of age. Complications of chickenpox occur in approximately 5% of all cases, resulting in hospitalizations and, rarely, death. The author briefly summarizes her experience with an interactive, although short-lived, educational website addressing varicella disease burden and prevention, highlighting frequently asked questions and common misconceptions related to varicella-zoster infections in Hungary. Universal vaccination against varicella rapidly reduces disease incidence, resulting in reductions in both individual disease burden and societal costs. Despite these benefits, there is no standardized varicella immunization policy across Europe. Funded or partially funded varicella vaccination programs are in place in 21 European countries as of 2026, including Hungary, where universal vaccination has been implemented since 2019. Since the introduction of the universal two-dose varicella vaccination program in Hungary, substantial reductions in case numbers and rates of associated complications have been clearly demonstrated. Unfortunately, misconceptions about the true burden of varicella disease still persist. As a result, the important social and economic benefits of the program are not fully recognized by a minority group in Hungary who oppose vaccines in general and attempt to avoid immunization, particularly against measles and, even more so, against chickenpox.