Introduction to Chickenpox Vaccine

The chickenpox vaccine is being rolled out on the NHS for the first time, offering protection to young people in addition to the MMR vaccination, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Eligibility for the Vaccine

Children born on or after January 1, 2025, will be offered two doses of MMRV at 12 months and 18 months of age. Those born between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, will be offered one dose at 18 months and another at three years and four months. Children born between September 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, will be offered a dose at three years and four months of age. A single dose catch-up regulation is also planned for children born between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2022.

Benefits of the Vaccine

The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in other countries, with a good safety profile. Health Minister stated that the vaccine would make a real difference for children and families, as chickenpox can be irritable and difficult for children, but also extremely serious and occasionally even fatal.

Implementation of the Vaccine

NHS England said GPs will be in touch with families as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. The vaccine will keep more children safe and allow them to go to school. It combines the chickenpox vaccine with MMR, meaning families can receive this vaccination for their children aged between 12 and 18 months.

Expert Opinion

Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunizations, said the shot had been shown to be highly effective in other countries and with a good safety profile. Dr. Claire Fuller, national medical director for NHS England, added that this is a hugely positive moment for children and their families, providing protection against chickenpox for the first time and adding to the arsenal of routine vaccinations given to children to protect them from serious illness.