An Italian politician and leading anti-vaxxer has been hospitalised after contracting chickenpox.

Massimiliano Fedriga, a member of the right wing Northern League party and president of the Friuli-Venezia Giuli region, had argued against the Lorenzin decree which has made vaccination compulsory in Italy.

Fedriga spent four days being treated for the disease, which can be deadly in adults.

He said although his children were vaccinated, it should not be forced on people, reports La Vanguardia.

He also claimed making vaccinations mandatory would not convince anti-vaxxers to have their shots.

Prominent microbiologist Robert Burioni wrote on his website that had Fedriga been vaccinated, he would be in perfect health.

"Had he infected a pregnant woman we would be facing a malformed child, or an abortion," he wrote.

"The only way we have to avoid such tragedies is to vaccinate us all to prevent the circulation of this dangerous virus, which could have hit a much more vulnerable person."

After being discharged form hospital, he took to social media to share he was "fine".

"I'm at home in convalescence and I thank everyone," the Tweet read.

Online, social media users mocked the politician for catching infection after making comments against regulating vaccinations but Fedriga hit back, saying despite not agreeing with the Lorenzin decree he was "in favour of vaccines".

Newshub.