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UK has implemented routine vaccination for children against chickenpox

Elizabeth O'Mahony1, Felicity Fitzgerald2,3

  • 1Department of Genomics and Child Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK elizabeth.omahony2@nhs.net.

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
|April 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland now offer universal chickenpox vaccination for children. This two-dose measles/mumps/rubella/varicella (MMRV) vaccine aims to reduce disease burden and costs.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Chickenpox (varicella) poses a significant disease burden in the UK.
  • Concerns exist regarding the impact of varicella zoster virus circulation on shingles incidence in adults.
  • Previous international data indicate benefits of universal varicella vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the rationale and evidence supporting the introduction of universal chickenpox vaccination in the UK.
  • To assess the impact of universal vaccination on disease burden, including mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs.
  • To review the safety and efficacy of the measles/mumps/rubella/varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent UK disease burden data.
  • Analysis of evidence on the relationship between childhood varicella and adult shingles.
  • Assessment of international data on universal varicella vaccination programs.
  • Evaluation of the MMRV vaccine's safety and efficacy profile.

Main Results:

  • Universal chickenpox vaccination (MMRV) implemented in routine UK childhood immunisation schedules from January 2026.
  • The program utilizes a two-dose schedule at 12 and 18 months.
  • Evidence supports significant reductions in chickenpox-related mortality, morbidity, and costs in countries with similar programs.

Conclusions:

  • The introduction of universal chickenpox vaccination is based on new evidence regarding disease burden and shingles epidemiology.
  • The established MMRV vaccine offers a safe and effective means to control chickenpox.
  • Implementation is expected to yield substantial public health benefits and cost savings.

Keywords:
InfectionsVaccines

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