When is the chickenpox vaccine available on the NHS?

The chickenpox vaccine is being rolled out on the NHS starting today as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.

What does the new combined MMRV vaccine protect against?

The combined MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.

Why is the chickenpox vaccine being added to the NHS programme?

Chickenpox can cause serious complications and hospitalizations in some individuals, and the vaccine aims to prevent these severe outcomes and reduce disruption for families.

Home / Health / NHS Rolls Out Free Chickenpox Vaccine

NHS Rolls Out Free Chickenpox Vaccine

2 Jan

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Summary

Chickenpox vaccine now part of the UK's routine child vaccination programme.
The new combined MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.
Hundreds of thousands of children are now eligible for the jab.

A significant milestone in childhood health is being marked today as the NHS begins offering a free chickenpox vaccine to children across the UK. This new addition to the routine childhood immunisation schedule aims to protect hundreds of thousands of young individuals from the varicella zoster virus. The vaccine is integrated into the existing MMR jab, creating the combined MMRV vaccine.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the importance of this rollout, stating that it provides crucial protection against a disease that can cause severe complications and even death in a small percentage of cases. The decision aligns with recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and follows successful implementation in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and Germany for decades. This move is expected to reduce hospital admissions and parental worry.