UK Eyes Routine Chickenpox Jab for Toddlers
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has made a bold move. They’ve recommended adding the chickenpox vaccine — known as varicella — to the UK’s regular childhood immunisation schedule. The plan? Two doses at 12 and 18 months old.
Catch-Up Programme for Older Kids on the Cards
The JCVI has passed its advice to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which now holds the final say. They’re also pushing for a catch-up programme targeting older children. Why? Because Covid lockdowns wiped out a lot of chickenpox cases, leaving more kids vulnerable to severe illness later in childhood or adulthood.
UK Could Join Global Leaders in Chickenpox Protection
If the DHSC gives the green light, the UK will join countries like Germany, Canada, Australia, and the US — all of which have offered routine chickenpox jabs for years. Since introducing the vaccine, these nations have seen sharp drops in chickenpox infections and hospital admissions.
Chickenpox Isn’t Always Mild – Serious Risks Remain
Chickenpox spreads like wildfire, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While usually mild in kids, complications can be nasty — including bacterial infections, brain swelling, lung inflammation, strokes, and even death in rare cases. Newborns, adults, and pregnant women face the biggest risks.
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, JCVI Chair, said: “The varicella vaccine prevents serious cases and limits spread. Evidence from the US shows the vaccine is safe, effective, and transforms childhood health.”
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UK Health Security Agency, added: “This jab spares most children from the misery of chickenpox and could save lives from severe complications.”
Old Concerns About Shingles Dismissed
Back in 2009, the JCVI rejected the vaccine rollout over fears it might spike shingles in middle-aged adults. The worry was that fewer chickenpox cases would weaken adults’ immunity to shingles. But new US research debunks this theory, clearing the path for JCVI’s latest push.
The UK may soon give chickenpox the boot — starting with toddlers.
