Srilanka, May 14 -- Amid a slight increase in chickenpox cases, the varicella vaccine that helps prevent the disease is currently out of stock at hospitals, the Daily Mirror learns.

When the Daily Mirror inquired at leading private hospitals, officials confirmed that the vaccine is unavailable. The cost of the vaccine ranges from Rs 7,500 to Rs 9,500.

According to health authorities, the vaccine is also not available at government hospitals.

Several spokespersons from private hospitals noted that a considerable number of patients had received the vaccine over the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Daily Mirror, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said that health officials had observed an uptick in chickenpox cases in ...