Chickenpox vaccine now free on NHS: What UK parents need to know
All children under 6 will be eligible – and it could save you £200
From yesterday (1 January 2026), parents across the UK can now get their babies and young children protected against chickenpox – without having to pay privately – thanks to a new vaccine being added to the NHS schedule.
The move marks a major change in the UK’s childhood vaccination programme and could spare thousands of families the disruption and stress of chickenpox – a disease that’s not only unpleasant, but in rare cases can be very serious.
Here’s what you need to know, including who’s eligible, when the jabs will be offered and what real parents are saying about the change.
The chickenpox vaccine: What’s new?
For the first time ever, the NHS is offering all babies and young children protection against chickenpox. The vaccine is being introduced as part of a new combined jab called MMRV, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
Two doses of the MMRV jab will now be given at 12 months and 18 months, replacing the standard MMR vaccine.
Previously, the only way to get a chickenpox vaccine in the UK was to pay privately, with costs of up to £200 per child. Now, it’s free for all eligible children through the NHS.
“Families will save both time and money – no longer facing lost income from taking time off work or having to fork out for private vaccinations,” said Health Secretary Wes Streeting, calling the rollout a “historic milestone”.
Why chickenpox protection matters
Chickenpox is often seen as a childhood rite of passage – but for many parents, the reality is far from harmless. The rash, fever and intense itching can leave children miserable for days and out of nursery or school for a week or more.
And while most kids recover at home, some do get seriously ill.
“For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospital admission and, tragically – while rare – it can be fatal,” warned Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam from the UK Health Security Agency.
One mum who knows this all too well is Maria Horton, whose daughter Beth had a stroke shortly after catching chickenpox aged two.
“She collapsed and her arm and leg went all floppy and then she started to have a seizure,” Maria told the BBC.
“If I’d known years ago what I know now, I wouldn’t hesitate to give her the vaccine. As a mum, if you could go back in time and stop something catastrophic happening to them, you absolutely would.”
Beth, now a teen, has lasting complications including speech difficulties and chronic pain.
When will my child get the chickenpox vaccine?
The new vaccine programme starts this month (January 2026) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland is expected to follow shortly.
If your child is under 6, they will likely be eligible – but the timing of their vaccine invitation depends on when they were born. GP surgeries will contact families when it’s time.
Here’s how the rollout breaks down:
- If your child was born after 1 January 2025
They’ll be offered 2 doses, at 12 months and 18 months - If your child was born 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2024
They’ll be offered 2 doses: one at 18 months and another at 3 years 4 months - If your child was born 1 September 2022 – 30 June 2024
They’ll be offered 1 dose at 3 years 4 months - If your child was born 1 January 2020 – 31 August 2022
They’ll be offered 1 dose later in 2026
Children aged 6 or over by the end of 2025 aren’t included, as most will have already had chickenpox.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes – and it’s already widely used elsewhere. The MMRV vaccine has been in use for decades in countries like the US, Canada and Australia, where it’s significantly reduced chickenpox infections and complications.
The vaccine is 97% effective after 2 doses and offers long-lasting protection.
Concerns that it might lead to an increase in adult shingles cases – a reason the UK delayed adopting it for years – haven’t played out in countries where the jab is routinely given.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has called the vaccine rollout “welcome news”, and the Royal College of GPs describes childhood vaccines as “some of the most important health interventions parents can make for their children”.
What are the benefits for parents?
Aside from protecting your child from a miserable week (or worse), the NHS says the rollout will also:
- Save £15 million a year in treatment costs
- Reduce the £24 million in lost income and productivity that comes from parents missing work
- Help cut down school and nursery absences
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England’s national medical director, called the rollout “a hugely positive moment for children and their families”.
Bottom line for parents
This new vaccine won’t just save you money – it could save your child from a serious illness, and save you from an unexpected week off work.
If your child is eligible, you’ll be contacted by your GP surgery when it’s time to book their appointment.
In the meantime, if you’ve got questions or concerns about the new jab, speak to your GP or health visitor – and remember, you can always ask what vaccines your child is due and when.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.