UK to Introduce Chickenpox Vaccine for Children Amid Soaring Cases

Strategic Insights -

The UK will begin administering the chickenpox vaccine to children as part of the routine childhood vaccination program, starting from January. This move follows years of low vaccination rates, with only 83.7% of five-year-olds receiving both MMR doses in 2024/25. The new combined MMRV vaccine will protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox), replacing the existing MMR vaccine given to toddlers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK will introduce the chickenpox vaccine for children, with the rollout starting from January, as part of the routine childhood vaccination program.
  • The new combined MMRV vaccine will protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) and will replace the existing MMR vaccine given to toddlers.
  • The chickenpox vaccine will be added to the routine childhood vaccination program for the first time in a decade, and around half a million children will be protected each year.
  • The introduction of the vaccine aims to keep children in nurseries and classrooms, prevent serious complications, and reduce parental childcare needs.
  • Chickenpox can cause severe symptoms, including meningitis and pneumonia, and can be fatal in rare cases.
  • The new vaccine is expected to save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the illness and reduce lost income and productivity by an estimated £24 million annually.
  • The vaccine is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including Germany, Australia, Canada, and the US.
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended the introduction of the jab on the NHS in November 2023.

Statistics:

  • 83.7% of five-year-olds received both MMR doses in 2024/25, the lowest level since 2009-10.
  • The rollout of the vaccine is expected to protect around 500,000 children each year.
  • The vaccine will save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the illness.
  • Lost income and productivity due to chickenpox amount to an estimated £24 million annually.
  • The chickenpox vaccine is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including Germany, Australia, Canada, and the US.

Sources:

  • Health minister Stephen Kinnock
  • Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
  • Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England
  • Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Children's Health at UCL
  • Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)