Starting in January 2026, the NHS in England will provide the chickenpox vaccine to children as part of their routine immunizations. This is the first time the chickenpox vaccine, also called the varicella vaccine, will be included in the NHS vaccination schedule. It will be combined with the existing MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, creating a new MMRV vaccine that protects against all four diseases in a single shot. The new vaccine will be given to infants at 12 and 18 months as part of a two-dose program. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, welcomed the move, stating that childhood vaccinations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children from serious illnesses. The last time a new vaccine was added to the NHS schedule was in 2015, when the MenB vaccine (for meningitis and sepsis) was introduced. The decision comes as childhood vaccination rates in the UK have dropped to record lows. Only 83.9% of five-year-olds received both MMR doses in 2023-2024, far below the government’s target of 95%. Other vaccines, such as MenB and DTaP/IPV/Hib/HebB, have also seen declining uptake. Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that causes an itchy, blistering rash. While most children recover without major issues, some can develop complications like bacterial infections. For children with weakened immune systems, chickenpox can be more dangerous. Professor Hawthorne noted that the vaccine will help protect these vulnerable children. Currently, private chickenpox vaccinations cost around £150 for two doses. The NHS rollout will make the vaccine free for eligible children. The government expects this change to reduce school absences and save the NHS £15 million annually in treatment costs. England is following the lead of countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and Germany, which already include the chickenpox vaccine in their routine immunization programs. Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, emphasized that the vaccine is safe and effective, based on global experience. She added that the program will improve children’s health and reduce missed school days.