{"id":29039,"date":"2026-01-02T07:42:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T07:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nanamedia.org\/en\/2026\/01\/02\/chickenpox-vaccinations-for-children-on-the-nhs-begin-across-the-uk\/"},"modified":"2026-01-02T07:42:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T07:42:18","slug":"chickenpox-vaccinations-for-children-on-the-nhs-begin-across-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nanamedia.org\/en\/2026\/01\/02\/chickenpox-vaccinations-for-children-on-the-nhs-begin-across-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Chickenpox vaccinations for children on the NHS begin across the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to Chickenpox Vaccination<\/h2>\n

All young children in the UK can now be offered protection from chickenpox on the NHS for the first time. The vaccine will be combined with the existing MMR vaccination, given at ages 12 and 18 months, which already helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella. Children up to the age of six can find out about the vaccine upon invitation. Experts believe the new combination vaccine, called MMRV, where V stands for varicella – another name for chickenpox – is expected to reduce the number of many thousands of families affected by the infection each year and prevent the most serious cases.<\/p>\n

What is Chickenpox<\/h2>\n

Chickenpox is very common in young children. The main feature is an itchy, blotchy rash that blisters and then crusts over. It can be painful and cover the body from head to toe. Children often feel unwell for several days, have fever and muscle aches. It is also easy to spread. About 90% of children under 10 will get chickenpox at some point, and a week off from school or daycare is fairly common.<\/p>\n

Serious Complications of Chickenpox<\/h2>\n

But it can develop into something more serious. For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospitalizations and, tragically, although rare, fatal. Complications can include bacterial infection of the scab and, much more rarely, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), pneumonia (pneumonitis) and stroke. Small children and adults are more likely to become seriously ill with the infection. Pregnant women are particularly at risk due to possible complications for both the mother and the unborn child.<\/p>\n

Personal Experience with Chickenpox<\/h2>\n

Maria Horton’s daughter Beth was just two and a half years old when she suffered a stroke a few weeks after contracting chickenpox. "She collapsed, her arm and leg were completely limp and then she had a seizure," said Ms Horton, who lives in Plymouth. Since then, Beth has had to live with many consequences – she can’t use her right hand, has difficulty speaking and lives in pain, her mother said. \u201cI know some people are hesitant about vaccinations, but if I had known years ago what I know now, I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to give her the vaccine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rollout of the MMRV Vaccine<\/h2>\n

From January 1, the MMRV vaccine will be included in the standard list of childhood vaccinations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The MMRV vaccine has been used safely for decades in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany, where the number of people suffering from chickenpox has declined and fewer severe cases have occurred. The part of the vaccine that protects against chickenpox has been shown to be very effective – about 97% after two doses – and long-lasting.<\/p>\n

Benefits of the MMRV Vaccine<\/h2>\n

The rollout of the MMRV vaccine is expected to save \u00a315 million a year in NHS treatment costs. According to NHS England, an estimated \u00a324 million of income and productivity is lost in the UK every year due to childhood chickenpox. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) recommended the vaccine be rolled out in the NHS in November 2023. \u201cFamilies will save both time and money \u2013 they will no longer face loss of income because they have to miss work or pay for private vaccinations,\u201d said Health Minister.<\/p>\n

Who Can Get Vaccinated Against Chickenpox and When<\/h2>\n

Protection against chickenpox is provided by a new combination vaccine called MMRV, which will replace the current MMR vaccination. This combined vaccination protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). Children born after January 1, 2026, will automatically be offered two doses of the MMRV vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age. As part of a catch-up program, older children will receive one or two doses depending on their date of birth. GP practices will contact families to arrange an appointment when vaccinations are due.<\/p>\n

Eligibility for the MMRV Vaccine<\/h3>\n