The new combined MMRV vaccine will be offered at GP practices, aiming to protect approximately 500,000 at-risk children annually and prevent severe illness and complications.

Starting January 2026, the UK will include the chickenpox vaccine in the NHS routine immunization schedule, replacing the current private-cost option of around £150 at clinics and pharmacies.

Experts warn that declining vaccination rates heighten the risk of preventable disease outbreaks, urging urgent action to improve coverage.

Vaccine coverage varies across regions, with London at 69.6% for both MMR doses and the North East at 90.2%, indicating disparities in immunization rates.

Current vaccine uptake for other childhood vaccines in England is below WHO recommended levels, with only 91.9% of five-year-olds receiving the first MMR dose and 83.9% the second, both at decade lows.

This move marks the first addition of a new disease component to the UK childhood vaccination schedule since 2015, amid concerns over vaccination rates below the 95% target.

While chickenpox is usually mild, it can cause serious complications such as bacterial infections, brain swelling, lung inflammation, stroke, and rare fatalities, prompting the vaccination update.

The Department of Health estimates that vaccinating children against chickenpox could save the NHS about £15 million annually in treatment costs, addressing the £24 million yearly cost of lost productivity due to the illness.

Health authorities emphasize that many children are starting school unprotected, increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases like measles and whooping cough, highlighting the need for high vaccination coverage.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock stated that the vaccine will help protect children’s health, support working families, and prevent disruptions caused by illness or childcare issues.

The new vaccine will replace the current MMR vaccine in the schedule, which is administered at 12 and 18 months, although eligibility criteria are yet to be decided.

The UK’s adoption of the chickenpox vaccine aligns with practices in countries such as Germany, Australia, Canada, and the US, following recommendations from the JCVI in November 2023.