Key Summary
- The vaccine, also known as the varicella jab, will be part of a new combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine
- It will be given as two doses, at 12 and 18 months of age, and offered at GP practices
- The common chickenpox symptoms are an itchy, spotted rash over the body, high temperature, loss of appetite and feeling unwell
The vaccine, also known as the varicella jab, will be part of a new combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) immunisation programme.
This is the first time, since 2015, that another disease has been added to the routine childhood vaccination programme.
It will be given as two doses, at 12 and 18 months of age, and offered at GP practices.
Until now, parents who wanted to protect their children from chickenpox had to buy the jab privately by paying up to £200.
The government hopes that offering the vaccine for free will not only protect youngsters from chickenpox, but also save parents from taking time off work to look after a sick child.
Chickenpox is generally mild and usually gets better without treatment, but it can lead to health complications for some people.
The common symptoms are an itchy, spotted rash over the body, high temperature, loss of appetite, and feeling unwell.
Very young infants and adults are also more likely to experience serious illness compared to children.
The chickenpox vaccine was recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in 2023.
Experts say vaccination will dramatically reduce the number of chickenpox cases overall.
