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Vaccines

NHS to Roll Out Chickenpox Vaccine for Children from January

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Health Service (NHS) in England will introduce a new combined MMRV vaccine, including protection against chickenpox, as part of its routine childhood vaccination program from January. This move aims to prevent severe complications from the virus and alleviate parents of the burden of taking time off work to care for their children. Chickenpox is a common childhood illness, but it can lead to serious complications such as bacterial infections, swelling of the brain, and stroke.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS will roll out a new combined MMRV vaccine, including protection against chickenpox, as part of its routine childhood vaccination program from January.
  • The vaccine will help prevent severe complications from the virus, such as bacterial infections, swelling of the brain, and stroke.
  • 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 vaccine is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in countries like 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.
  • The new vaccine will replace the MMR vaccine, which is offered to babies at 12 months and 18 months.
  • Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunization at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said that the vaccine could be a "life saver" for those who develop severe symptoms.
  • Health minister Stephen Kinnock stated that the vaccine will "give parents the power to protect their children from chickenpox and its serious complications."
  • The vaccination program will be rolled out nationwide, with NHS England working with vaccination teams and GP surgeries to ensure a smooth implementation.

Statistics:

  • 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25, unchanged from 2023/24.
  • 83.7% of five-year-olds had received both MMR doses in 2024/25, down year on year from 83.9% in 2023/24.
  • The vaccine is estimated to save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the illness.
  • Chickenpox causes an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK.

Sources:

  • "UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)"
  • "Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)"
  • "Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)"
  • "NHS England"
  • "UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)"

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