For years, chickenpox was just seen as a harsh phase that most kids just had to get through. But now, that's all set to change. After a lot of discussion, health officials have decided to add a chickenpox vaccine to the set of shots given to children across the country.
This is all you need to know about the new vaccine:
When Will the Vaccine Be Rolled Out?
The chickenpox vaccine will be rolled out across in January 2026.
It will be called the varicella jab, and will form part of a combined MMRV ( Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) vaccine, which will gradually replace the current MMR vaccine.
Who Is Eligible?
The new MMRV vaccine will be offered to all children as part of their routine childhood vaccinations.
In addition, there will also be a catch-up program for older children who haven't had chickenpox.
Currently, the vaccine is only offered on the NHS to a very small group of people in close contact with someone at high risk of severe illness from chickenpox.
Why Is It Necessary?
While chickenpox is often seen as a mild illness, it can potentially lead to serious complications. The new vaccine is expected to prevent serious issues like bacterial infections, pneumonia, and even brain inflammation.
The government also expects the vaccine to reduce pressure on the NHS, saving an estimated £15 million a year in treatment costs for severe chickenpox cases.
Ministers are hoping that this will not only protect some young people from severe complications from the virus, but will also prevent parents from taking additional time off work to look after their children when they become infected.
