Starting from January, young children across the UK will receive protection against chickenpox through the NHS for the first time. A new combined vaccine called MMRV will be introduced into the standard childhood vaccination schedule, with older children receiving doses through a dedicated catch-up programme.
Chickenpox results from infection with the varicella zoster virus and spreads easily between people through direct contact or respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Most children contract it by age four, though individuals of any age remain susceptible. The disease is particularly transmissible before symptoms appear and remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over.
Initial symptoms include fever, muscle pain, and general malaise. Within days, an itchy rash emerges with red or pink spots that can cover the entire body, including the mouth. These spots develop into fluid-filled blisters before forming scabs that eventually shed. Contagiousness extends from two days before spots appear until they completely crust, typically five days after onset.
The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella simultaneously. New infants born after January 1, 2026 receive two doses at 12 and 18 months. Older children born between September 2022 and December 2024 will receive one or two doses depending on their birth date, with GP surgeries contacting families to schedule appointments. Children born between January 2020 and August 2022 will receive a single dose later in 2026.
The vaccine contains a weakened live virus and significantly reduces infection risk. Serious side effects are extremely rare. It remains unsuitable for immunocompromised individuals due to conditions like HIV or treatments such as chemotherapy. Routine chickenpox vaccination is already standard in Germany, Canada, Australia, and the US.
While most childhood cases remain mild, complications can occur. Rare serious complications include brain inflammation, pneumonia, and stroke. Chickenpox poses greater danger to very young infants, adults, and pregnant individuals. Reinfection is extremely uncommon but possible.
Shingles develops later in life when the dormant chickenpox virus reactivates, causing painful skin rashes typically on the chest or abdomen. Shingles cannot be transmitted to others. Reactivation often occurs during immune system weakness from stress, illness, or chemotherapy. Antiviral medication can accelerate recovery and prevent prolonged complications. An NHS shingles vaccine is available for adults aged 65 and over, adults aged 70 to 79 who lack prior vaccination, and immunocompromised individuals aged 50 and above. Vaccination can substantially reduce symptom severity even in previously infected individuals.
