"Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that is usually mild, but can lead to complications including scarring, skin infections, pneumonia, eye damage, swelling of the brain and kidney problems," he said.
"Every year, several hundred people need hospital treatment for complications resulting from chickenpox, and from time to time it can cause long-term disability or death."
Countries such as the United States and Australia included the vaccine on their immunisation schedules and had seen dramatic reductions in the number of people needing hospital treatment for it.
The chickenpox vaccine has been available for private purchase in New Zealand since the 1990s.
Chickenpox symptoms
• Small blisters, like a rash, on your skin, which can be very itchy
•Tiredness
•Fever
•General aches and pains