UK Introduces Chickenpox Vaccine with MMRV for Children

Published: 02 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The UK government has announced that children will now receive the chickenpox vaccine alongside their routine MMR jab. This combined MMRV vaccine, incorporating protection against chickenpox, will be offered to infants at 12 and 18 months, marking a significant development in childhood immunisation. Integrating the chickenpox vaccine into standard NHS schedules ensures that young children are protected from varicella without needing private appointments, offering families peace of mind. Experts have welcomed the rollout of the chickenpox vaccine, highlighting its potential to reduce hospital admissions and prevent serious complications.

For decades, the MMR jab, protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella, has formed a cornerstone of the NHS immunisation programme. The introduction of the MMRV vaccine aligns the UK with countries including the US, Canada, Germany, and Australia, where combined immunisation with the chickenpox vaccine has successfully lowered infection rates. Officials emphasise that integrating the chickenpox vaccine within the MMR framework will simplify appointments, improve uptake, and provide broader protection to children.

Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England’s joint medical director, described the rollout as “hugely positive,” noting the health benefits and reassurance offered to parents. She stressed that chickenpox, though often mild, can result in severe complications, including pneumonia, fits, or hospitalisation. With half of children contracting the virus by age four, vaccination will prevent thousands of unnecessary illnesses, reduce absences from nursery and school, and alleviate parental stress.

Previously, parents seeking chickenpox protection for their children had to pay privately, typically around £150, or qualify for NHS vaccination if their child had close contact with vulnerable individuals. The new MMRV programme removes this financial barrier, extending free protection to all eligible infants. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted that the change represents a historic milestone, emphasising the broader societal benefits. “Today, the NHS is formally protecting children against chickenpox, reducing disruption to families and avoiding preventable illness,” Streeting said.

The decision to introduce chickenpox vaccination faced careful consideration due to its potential link with shingles later in life. Following chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells, occasionally reactivating as shingles. Experts had been cautious, concerned that widespread vaccination could reduce natural exposure, weakening adult immunity. Helen Bedford, professor of children’s health at University College London, explained that the existing shingles vaccination programme for older adults and international evidence of MMRV safety provided reassurance for adopting this approach.

The MMRV vaccine was recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises ministers on vaccination policy. The switch is projected to save the NHS approximately £15 million annually in avoided GP visits and hospital treatments, while families are estimated to save £24 million in lost income and productivity. Scotland’s Health Secretary, Neil Gray, described the rollout as a “major step forward,” emphasising the long-term benefits of reduced chickenpox prevalence and stronger childhood immunity across generations.

Healthcare providers have started scheduling appointments, with the first doses being administered at GP surgeries this week. The combined MMRV jab ensures children are immunised efficiently, reducing the need for multiple visits and protecting them from common childhood illnesses simultaneously. Public health officials expect a swift uptake, particularly in light of parental support and widespread awareness campaigns highlighting the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.

While chickenpox is typically mild, characterised by itchy spots and a rash lasting up to two weeks, vaccination offers crucial protection against rare but serious complications. Infected children are advised to remain home until scabs form, but vaccination will dramatically lower transmission rates, safeguarding both individual children and the wider community. Experts emphasise that MMRV vaccination is evidence-based, drawing from international experience where the chickenpox vaccine has decreased infections, hospital admissions, and associated healthcare burdens.

The NHS rollout represents the first time the chickenpox vaccine is included in the UK’s routine immunisation programme. This change reflects decades of research, evolving public health strategies, and a commitment to protecting children from preventable diseases. Families are encouraged to book appointments promptly, ensuring timely protection for infants against chickenpox and reinforcing the success of the broader immunisation programme. By integrating chickenpox vaccination into the MMR schedule, the UK strengthens its public health infrastructure while alleviating the societal and economic burden of childhood illness.

As the UK joins other leading nations in adopting the MMRV vaccine, public health authorities remain focused on monitoring outcomes, ensuring safety, and providing clear guidance to parents. The chickenpox vaccine rollout is expected to reshape childhood immunisation in the UK, preventing illness, reducing school absences, and creating long-term benefits for future generations. Experts anticipate that regular MMRV vaccination will soon become the norm, normalising chickenpox prevention alongside established immunisations against measles, mumps, and rubella.

The move also demonstrates the NHS’s ability to respond to evolving evidence, balancing childhood protection with adult health considerations. Public confidence in vaccination programmes remains high, supported by transparent guidance, international experience, and rigorous monitoring. As the first MMRV doses are administered, parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike will watch closely, marking the beginning of a new era in child health protection across the UK.

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