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Vaccines

NHS to Roll Out Chickenpox Vaccine for Children from January 2026

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A vaccine against chickenpox, a common childhood illness, is set to be introduced in the NHS's routine childhood vaccination program in England, officials announced. The jab, which currently costs around £150 at private clinics and pharmacies, will form part of a new combined MMRV vaccine. Ministers hope it will not only protect some youngsters from severe complications from the virus but also prevent parents taking time off work to care for their children. The vaccine is expected to offer protection to around 500,000 children every year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The chickenpox vaccine will be introduced as part of a new combined MMRV vaccine in the NHS's routine childhood vaccination program in England from January 2026.
  • The vaccine is expected to offer protection to around 500,000 children every year, and will replace the MMR vaccine, which is currently offered to babies at 12 months and 18 months.
  • Chickenpox causes an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK, with parents forced to take time off work to care for their children.
  • The rollout of the vaccine is expected to save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the illness.
  • The chickenpox vaccine is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in a number of countries, including Germany, Australia, Canada, and the US.
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended the introduction of the jab on the NHS in November 2023.
  • Private jabs at pharmacies and clinics currently cost around £150 for a full course.
  • Some 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25, with just 83.7% receiving both doses, highlighting the need for improved vaccine uptake.

Statistics:

  • The vaccine is expected to offer protection to around 500,000 children every year.
  • Chickenpox causes an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK.
  • The rollout of the vaccine is expected to save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the illness.
  • Some 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25.
  • Just 83.7% of five-year-olds had received both MMR doses in 2024/25.
  • Uptake of the first MMR dose at 24 months stood at 88.9% in 2024/25.

Sources:

  • The British Medical Journal
  • The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
  • The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)
  • NHS England
  • The UKHSA's report on vaccine uptake in 2024/25

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