Free Chickenpox vaccination offered to children in England from January 2026
- Healthwatch Wokingham
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
What’s happening?
Starting in January 2026, NHS England will offer the chickenpox vaccine free of charge as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. The vaccine will be delivered in a combined MMRV jab (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) given in two doses at around 12 months and 18 months of age.
How can my child get the vaccine?
As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible.
Why now?
Previously, parents had to pay up to £150 for the vaccine privately. The new NHS rollout ensures equitable access for all families. Chickenpox, while often mild, can cause severe complications such as bacterial infections like strep A, brain and lung inflammation, and stroke. The vaccination programme aims to protect children and reduce risks.
How many will benefit, and what’s the impact?
The programme is expected to protect around 500,000 children annually and save the NHS an estimated £15 million per year in treatment costs. Additionally, it could reduce an estimated £24 million in lost income from parents needing time off to care for sick children.
What is happening in other countries?
The rollout follows recommendations by the JCVI and aligns the UK with countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and Germany that have already seen significant reductions in chickenpox cases, hospitalisations, and complications.
In the future
A catch‑up programme for older children will also be considered to close immunity gaps created during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fewer chickenpox cases occurred.