Historic NHS Rollout: Chickenpox Jabs for UK Toddlers
For the first time, protection against chickenpox is being added to the routine NHS childhood immunization schedule across the UK. This move is expected to prevent thousands of hospitalizations and save the NHS millions of pounds annually.
The New "MMRV" Vaccine
Rather than adding an extra appointment, the chickenpox vaccine is being combined with the existing MMR jab (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella). The new 4-in-1 vaccine is known as MMRV (the 'V' stands for Varicella, the medical name for chickenpox).
Who is Eligible?
The vaccine is being offered to children based on their date of birth:
Routine Schedule: Children born on or after 1 January 2025 will receive two doses, the first at 12 months and the second at 18 months.
Catch-up Program: A phased rollout will offer the vaccine to older children (up to age six) who have not yet had chickenpox.
Note: Children aged six or older by the end of 2025 are generally ineligible as most will have already had the infection naturally.
Why the Change?
While chickenpox is often seen as a "mild" childhood illness, it causes significant disruption and, in rare cases, severe complications:
Health Impact: It can lead to bacterial infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even strokes in young children.
Economic Impact: The NHS estimates that childhood chickenpox costs the UK economy £24 million a year in lost productivity from parents taking time off work.
Cost Savings: Providing the vaccine for free on the NHS saves parents the roughly £150–£200 it previously cost to get the jab privately.
Is it Safe?
Health officials emphasize that the MMRV vaccine has been used safely for decades in countries like the US, Australia, and Germany. Research shows it is approximately 97% effective after two doses and provides long-lasting protection.
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