Chickenpox Vaccine for Children in the UK: Everything Parents Need to Know.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It spreads easily through direct contact, coughing, or sneezing. While most cases are seen in children, people of any age can get chickenpox if they have never had it before.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
The first signs usually include:
-
Fever and tiredness
-
Muscle aches and pains
-
General feeling of being unwell
A couple of days later, a red, itchy rash appears, which develops into fluid-filled blisters before scabbing over. Spots can appear anywhere on the body, even inside the mouth. Children remain contagious from two days before the rash until all spots have scabbed over – usually about five days.
How Serious is Chickenpox?
Most children only experience mild symptoms, but they may feel uncomfortable and need to stay home from school or nursery. In rare cases, chickenpox can cause serious complications such as:
-
Brain swelling (encephalitis)
-
Lung inflammation (pneumonitis)
-
Stroke
It can also be more dangerous for:
-
Newborn babies
-
Adults
-
Pregnant women
Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?
It’s rare, but possible, to catch chickenpox more than once. Later in life, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles, a painful skin condition.
Chickenpox Vaccine in the UK (NHS Rollout 2026)
Currently, parents can pay privately for the chickenpox vaccine (up to £200). However, from January 2026, the NHS will offer the chickenpox vaccine for free as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland is expected to follow.
How the Vaccine Will Work:
-
Two doses given at 12 and 18 months of age
-
Combined as the MMRV vaccine (protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella)
-
Live vaccine – not suitable for children with weakened immune systems
-
Provides strong protection against chickenpox, though immunity may not be lifelong
There will also be a catch-up programme for slightly older children who just miss out on the rollout.
Shingles and the Vaccine
After chickenpox, the virus can stay dormant and later cause shingles – a painful rash often on one side of the body. You cannot catch shingles from someone else, but you can catch chickenpox from a person with shingles.
The NHS shingles vaccine is available for:
-
People turning 65 on or after 1 September 2023
-
Adults aged 70–79 who haven’t had it yet
-
People 50+ with weakened immune systems
The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of severe symptoms and complications.
Key Takeaway for Parents
From January 2026, parents in the UK will no longer need to pay privately for the chickenpox vaccine. Children will automatically be offered two free doses on the NHS, dramatically reducing cases and serious complications.
Comments
Post a Comment