The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) has proposed significant changes to the national vaccination schedule, advising that children should be vaccinated against chickenpox, while adults should receive vaccinations against shingles. This recommendation aims to enhance public health by not only protecting vaccinated individuals but also providing herd immunity to those who cannot be vaccinated due to health issues. FHI's Siri Helene Hauge emphasized the importance of the chickenpox vaccine, stating that it would offer direct protection to vaccinated children and shield other vulnerable children within the community.

To implement the recommended changes, FHI suggests that the chickenpox vaccine should be administered in two doses: the first dose at 15 months, coinciding with the MMR vaccine, and the second dose when children reach the second grade. Additionally, a temporary catch-up program is proposed for non-immune children ages 2 to 15 to ensure they receive the vaccine. For adults, the shingles vaccine is recommended in two doses, to be administered during the year they turn 65, targeting a more susceptible population as they age.

These proposed changes by FHI underscore a proactive approach to improving the vaccination landscape in Norway, potentially reducing the incidence of these diseases and protecting both individuals and the larger community. If adopted by the Ministry of Health and Care Services, these recommendations could lead to a significant shift in public health strategies and outcomes in Norway, particularly for children's health and elderly care.