Instead of a separate shot, it’ll be part of the new MMRV vaccine one shot for measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.
This means fewer doctor visits and less worry for parents. They think it will protect around 500,000 kids yearly.
Chickenpox: Not Always a Walk in the Park
You might remember chickenpox as just itchy spots and calamine lotion. But it can cause serious stuff such as: Pneumonia
Bad skin infections
Brain swelling
Serious illness, especially for babies
Plus, parents miss work to care for sick kids, costing the UK about £24 million each year.
What’s Happening in 2026?
Kids aged 12–18 months will get the MMRV shot at their doctor’s office.
The chickenpox vaccine is almost always blocks chickenpox in kids.
It is safe and works in the US, Australia, Canada, and Germany.
This the first big change to the UK’s kid vaccine plan in about ten years.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam from the UK Health Security Agency says this vaccine is important. She says it stops a nasty sickness that can sometimes be very dangerous.
Professor Chrissie Jones says it will make the children better. Also, she says it will make the life easier for the parents, because the dont have to go to the hospital.
Right now, if you want the chickenpox vaccine, you have to pay about £150. After 2026, it’ll be free to everyone on the NHS.
