I’m really pleased to share some wonderful news for families: the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine has now been added to the NHS routine immunisation schedule. This is something many of us working with children have been hoping to see for years, and it’s a big step forward for child health.
Why is this such good news?
If you’ve ever looked after a child with chickenpox, you’ll know how tough it can be. Children are often miserable for over a week with fevers, sore spots, and relentless itching. Nights are disturbed, little ones feel uncomfortable, and parents end up exhausted trying to comfort them.
Most children do eventually get better, but sometimes chickenpox can cause serious problems, like skin infections, chest infections, or even hospital admissions. And on top of the worry about your child, parents often need to take time off work — sometimes at short notice — to care for them. It can be stressful for the whole family.
How the vaccine helps
The chickenpox vaccine has been used safely in many countries for years, and now UK children can benefit too. It’s very effective, and it means:
- Children will be protected from the discomfort and complications of chickenpox.
- Parents won’t have to face that stressful juggle of caring for an unwell child while trying to manage work and other responsibilities.
- Outbreaks in nurseries and schools will be reduced, meaning fewer disruptions for families.
What this means for your child
This vaccine is really about giving children the chance to stay healthy and happy. Instead of missing school, activities, or playdates because of chickenpox, they’ll be able to keep doing what they should be doing — playing, learning, and enjoying life.
A big win for families
As a consultant paediatrician in West London, I see first-hand how much distress illnesses like chickenpox can cause. Knowing that this vaccine is now available through the NHS is genuinely exciting — it will prevent so much unnecessary misery for children and ease the pressure on families too.
This is a great day for child health in the UK.
