Impact of universal vaccination on the epidemiology of varicella in Veneto, Italy

► Universal varicella vaccination in Europe is offered only in few countries. ► In 2005, universal varicella vaccination was introduced in Veneto region, Italy. ► Trends in varicella incidence before and after vaccine introduction were examined. ► We observed a significant decline of mild and serious varicella cases. ► Using autoregressive modelling, we estimated the number of prevented cases.