Chickenpox: Vaccination
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what provisions will be made for children over 18 months who have missed the initial two-dose chickenpox vaccine schedule.
Answered by Ashley Dalton
On 29 August, the Government announced plans to introduce chickenpox (varicella) vaccination into the routine childhood immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026. Eligible children will receive an MMRV vaccine during routine general practice (GP) appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Eligibility will primarily be based on a child’s age on 1 January 2026, and not whether a child has previously received an MMR vaccine. The eligibility criteria, including which age groups will receive the vaccine, will be announced ahead of the programme launch.
It is important that children continue to come forward for their vaccinations when they are due, including the MMRV vaccine when it is available.
As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible. The National Health Service and GP practices send reminders to families of those who are not fully vaccinated, and will provide catch-up doses to children who have missed any jabs.
Parents and carers can contact their GP surgery to check their child’s vaccination record and arrange a catch-up appointment, and details of vaccinations can also be found in a child’s Red Book.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →