U.K. Rolls Out Chickenpox Vaccine for Children

The United Kingdom recently launched its routine childhood vaccination program against chickenpox (varicella).

Effective from January 1, 2026, this program introduces a combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine into the national immunization schedule.

According to the UK Health Security Agency article, this program is aimed at young children. It addresses a disease that affects hundreds of thousands each year and can lead to severe complications.

The vaccination program is offering two doses of the MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months for those born on or after January 1, 2025.

The UK program also provides MMRV doses to slightly older cohorts, including a catch-up initiative running from November 2026 to March 2028 for children aged 3 years and 4 months to under 6 years who do not have complete protection.

The UK's delay in adopting universal chickenpox vaccination was based on concerns that reducing natural infections could weaken immune boosting in adults, potentially leading to an increase in shingles (herpes zoster) cases.

However, studies indicate that the live attenuated vaccine does not increase the risk of shingles.

The December 2025 article stated that even if your child has already had chickenpox, there are no safety concerns about getting the MMRV vaccine. You'll usually be contacted by your GP practice when your child is due for a routine vaccination, such as MMRV.