Brady Collins
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. In the UK, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is not part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, although it is available privately and offered on the NHS in specific cases. In 2023, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that a universal chickenpox vaccination programme be included in the UK routine schedule. This recommendation was based on evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective, and that it could reduce the economic burden of GP visits, hospital admissions, and missed workdays caused by chickenpox outbreaks. The UK government has announced that a free chickenpox vaccination will be offered to children across England on the NHS from January 2026. This decision is expected to protect around half a million children each year and bring the UK in line with other countries offering routine varicella vaccination, including Germany, Canada, Australia, and the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chickenpox vaccine in the UK | Not part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule |
| Chickenpox vaccine availability in the UK | Available privately and offered on the NHS in specific cases |
| Chickenpox vaccine recommendation in the UK | Recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in November 2023 |
| Chickenpox vaccine rollout in the UK | Expected to begin in January 2026 |
| Chickenpox vaccine doses | 2 doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart |
| Side effects of the chickenpox vaccine | Mild and short-lived, such as a rash or fever |
| Serious side effects of the chickenpox vaccine | Very rare, may include a severe allergic reaction |
| Chickenpox vaccine and pregnancy | Not recommended for those pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon |
| Chickenpox vaccine eligibility | Not recommended for those with weakened immune systems or a history of severe allergic reactions |
| Chickenpox vaccine and MMR vaccine | Can be given on the same day or with a 4-week gap in between |
| Booster doses for chickenpox vaccine | Not needed |
| Breakthrough chickenpox cases after vaccination | Usually milder symptoms compared to unvaccinated individuals |
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What You'll Learn
Chickenpox vaccine availability in the UK
Chickenpox vaccination in the UK has been a topic of discussion and review for several years, with many countries already offering routine vaccination for their citizens. In 2009, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) decided against implementing a UK-wide programme due to concerns about a potential increase in shingles cases in middle-aged adults. The theory was that if children stopped contracting chickenpox, adults would lose the immunity boost gained from exposure to the infected children, making them more susceptible to shingles.
However, in November 2023, the JCVI recommended that a universal chickenpox vaccination programme be included in the UK routine schedule. This decision was based on new evidence from long-term studies in the USA and research from the University of Bristol, which highlighted the impact of chickenpox on children's health and the NHS. The committee has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which will make the final decision on whether to implement the programme.
Currently, the chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. However, it is available privately and offered on the NHS in specific cases, such as for close contacts of someone vulnerable to severe chickenpox or for healthcare workers who haven't had chickenpox before. The cost of private vaccination is around £150 for a full course of two doses.
From January 2026, the UK government plans to introduce a free chickenpox vaccination programme for children across England on the NHS. Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, with two doses given four to eight weeks apart. This programme is expected to protect around half a million children each year and reduce the economic burden of GP visits, hospital admissions, and missed workdays caused by chickenpox outbreaks.
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, containing a weakened version of the virus. It is generally safe, but it is not recommended for those with weakened immune systems, those who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or specific ingredients, or those who have had or will have the MMR vaccine within four weeks. Most side effects are mild and may include a rash or fever. Serious allergic reactions are rare.
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Who should avoid the chickenpox vaccine
While most people can have the chickenpox vaccine if they need it, there are certain groups of people who should avoid getting it. The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened version of the virus. As a result, it is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems due to illnesses like HIV or treatments such as chemotherapy. Similarly, those who have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or its ingredients, including neomycin or gelatin, should refrain from getting the vaccine.
Additionally, individuals who have received the MMR vaccine in the previous four weeks or are due to receive it within the next four weeks should avoid the chickenpox vaccine. If an individual has had the chickenpox vaccine, it is advised to avoid pregnancy for one month after the last dose. Furthermore, those with a high temperature or feeling unwell should postpone the vaccine until they feel better.
Pregnant women are advised against getting the chickenpox vaccine, although there is limited evidence of increased risk for birth defects. The decision to vaccinate should be made in consultation with healthcare providers, who will consider individual circumstances, medical conditions, medications, and potential risks.
In the UK, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has reviewed the impact of the chickenpox vaccine on both chickenpox and shingles. While the chickenpox vaccine is not currently part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in the UK, JCVI has recently recommended its inclusion. This recommendation is based on new evidence suggesting that the introduction of the vaccine would not lead to an increased rate of shingles in adults, as previously thought. The final decision on implementing this recommendation is pending.
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Chickenpox vaccine side effects
Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The chickenpox vaccine is a live viral vaccine that contains a weakened version of the chickenpox virus. While the vaccine is safe and well-tolerated, it is not recommended for everyone due to potential side effects.
Most side effects of the chickenpox vaccine are mild and typically include soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. A mild rash and fever may also occur, with some children developing a chickenpox-like rash after vaccination. These side effects usually resolve on their own and do not last long.
Serious side effects after the chickenpox vaccine are rare but have been reported in some cases. These can include severe allergic reactions, severe rashes, infections of the lungs or liver, meningitis, seizures associated with fever, and general severe infection with the virus strain from the vaccine. Some individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to these serious side effects.
Pregnant women should not receive the chickenpox vaccine as there is a chance it may cause problems during pregnancy. Additionally, those with weakened immune systems due to illness or treatment should avoid the vaccine. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the benefits and risks of the vaccine for each individual.
In the UK, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended the inclusion of the chickenpox vaccine in the childhood immunisation programme. This recommendation is based on evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective and could reduce the burden of severe chickenpox cases in children and adults. However, the final decision on implementing the vaccine programme lies with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
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Chickenpox in the UK during the pandemic
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). While the VZV vaccination is not currently part of the UK childhood immunisation programme, its potential inclusion is regularly assessed. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recently recommended that a vaccine against varicella, or chickenpox, be added to the UK's routine childhood immunisation programme. The JCVI's recommendation comes on the back of reduced chickenpox cases during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social restrictions, which has resulted in a larger pool of children without immunity.
During the pandemic, chickenpox GP consultation rates decreased in England, continuing a longer-term decline in the community. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted rates, likely caused by the introduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. There was no typical epidemic peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in 2022, rates were proportionally higher among children under 1 year old compared to pre-pandemic years. The mean weekly chickenpox consultation rate per 100,000 population in England was 3.4, with a regular peak occurring between weeks 13 and 15. Overall, rates decreased over time, from a mean weekly rate of 5.5 in 2017 to 4.2 in 2019. The highest mean weekly rates were among children aged 1–4 years.
The JCVI had previously ruled out a UK-wide programme due to concerns that it could increase cases of shingles in middle-aged adults. However, a recent study from the US has disproved this theory. The committee has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Health and Social Care, which will take the final decision on whether to implement the vaccination programme. If approved, the UK will join other countries in offering routine chickenpox vaccinations, such as Germany, Canada, Australia and the US.
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, containing a weakened version of the chickenpox virus. It is given in two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart, and most side effects are mild and do not last long. The vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe disease, and in countries where it is routinely used, the burden of severe and life-threatening complications has essentially disappeared. While some breakthrough cases of chickenpox do occur, they tend to be mild.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended that all children in the UK receive a routine chickenpox vaccination, with two doses offered at 12 and 18 months old. They have also recommended a temporary catch-up programme for older children who would otherwise miss out. This would offer protection against the risks associated with getting chickenpox as an older child or adult, when complications can be much more severe.
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Chickenpox vaccine for NHS healthcare workers
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Although it is usually mild, it can be very serious for some people. The chickenpox vaccine is available on the NHS to people in close contact with someone who has a higher risk of getting seriously ill from chickenpox. This includes NHS healthcare workers who are in regular or close contact with patients at risk of getting seriously ill, such as children or adults with weakened immune systems.
The chickenpox vaccine is a live vaccine, containing a weakened version of the chickenpox virus. It is given as an injection into the arm, with two doses required 4 to 8 weeks apart. While most people can have the vaccine, it is not recommended for those with weakened immune systems due to illnesses like HIV or treatments such as chemotherapy. It is also not advised for those who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient in the vaccine. Women who have received the vaccine are advised to avoid pregnancy for one month after the last dose.
In the UK, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has been reviewing the potential for a UK-wide chickenpox vaccination programme. In November 2023, the JCVI recommended including a universal chickenpox vaccination in the UK routine schedule. This was based on evidence from other countries, where the introduction of a routine varicella vaccine has led to sharp declines in hospitalisations and severe cases of chickenpox. A routine vaccination programme is under consideration for launch from January 2026.
Currently, the chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered to all NHS healthcare workers. However, individual cases may vary, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for specific advice and guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the chickenpox vaccine is available in the UK. However, it is not currently part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. The vaccine is available privately and offered on the NHS in specific cases, such as for close contacts of someone vulnerable to severe chickenpox.
The NHS offers the chickenpox vaccine to close contacts of someone vulnerable to severe chickenpox, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, and healthcare workers who haven't had chickenpox before.
In 2023, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that a universal chickenpox vaccination programme be included in the UK routine schedule. The recommendation is based on evidence that the vaccine is safe and effective, and that it will reduce the economic burden of GP visits, hospital admissions, and missed workdays caused by chickenpox outbreaks.
The UK government has announced that a free chickenpox vaccination programme will be introduced in January 2026. Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments.
