Summary
Young children in the UK can now get a chickenpox vaccine on the NHS. The vaccine is combined with the existing MMR shot and is meant to reduce severe chickenpox cases among children. It will be available to children at 12 and 18 months and introduced into the standard vaccination schedule from January in most parts of the UK.
Key Facts
- The new vaccine is called MMRV, which includes protection against chickenpox.
- Previously, parents paid privately for the chickenpox vaccine.
- Children will receive the MMRV shot at 12 and 18 months of age.
- Chickenpox is common in children and often causes itchy rashes and fevers.
- Serious complications from chickenpox include bacterial infections and, rarely, brain swelling and lung inflammation.
- The vaccine has been used safely in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Germany.
- The vaccine is about 97% effective after two doses.
