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Vaccines

NHS to Roll Out Chickenpox Vaccine for Children in January 2026

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is set to introduce a vaccine for chickenpox as part of a new combined immunisation programme. The vaccine, which will be offered to children at GP practices from January 2026, will protect around 500,000 children from the virus every year. Chickenpox is a common childhood illness that can cause severe complications, including bacterial infections and serious health issues. The introduction of the vaccine is expected to save the NHS £15 million annually in treatment costs and prevent £24 million in lost income and productivity each year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The chickenpox vaccine, also known as the varicella jab, will be introduced into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme in January 2026.
  • The vaccine will form part of a new combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine, which will eventually replace the MMR vaccine.
  • Around 500,000 children are expected to be protected from chickenpox every year through the vaccination programme.
  • The introduction of the vaccine is expected to save the NHS £15 million annually in treatment costs.
  • Chickenpox causes £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
  • Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), described the introduction of the vaccine as "excellent news" that could "be a life saver" for those who develop severe symptoms.

Statistics:

  • £24 million: estimated annual cost of lost income and productivity due to chickenpox in the UK.
  • £15 million: expected annual savings to the NHS from treating the illness.
  • 500,000: number of children expected to be protected from chickenpox every year through the vaccination programme.
  • 2026: year the vaccine will be introduced into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme.
  • 2024/25: year in which none of the main childhood vaccines in England reached the 95% uptake target.

Sources:

  • Official announcement from the NHS.
  • Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
  • Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

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