Free chickenpox jab to be added to children’s routine NHS vaccinations from January 2026
Parents will no longer have to pay privately for the chickenpox vaccine, as it’s rolled into the NHS schedule for the first time
For the very first time, children in England will be offered a free NHS chickenpox vaccination as part of their routine jabs — starting from January 2026.
The new programme means that around half a million children a year will now be protected against the unwelcome and sometimes serious illness. The jab will be given at routine GP appointments as part of a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV).
Why is the vaccine being added?
Chickenpox is often thought of as a normal childhood illness, but it can mean days off nursery or school for children — and time off work for parents.
The government says the rollout will not only reduce disruption for families but also save the NHS money. Research shows chickenpox in childhood costs UK families around £24 million a year in lost income and productivity, while NHS treatment costs are estimated at £15 million a year.
Health experts also highlight that while most cases are mild, chickenpox can sometimes cause serious complications. These include bacterial infections like strep A, brain or lung inflammation, and in rare cases, stroke.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, explained: “Most parents probably consider chickenpox to be a common and mild illness, but 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.
"It is excellent news that from next January we will be introducing a vaccine to protect against chickenpox into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme – helping prevent what is for most a nasty illness and for those who develop severe symptoms, it could be a life saver.”
Everything you need to know about the chickenpox vaccine:
When will it start? The rollout begins in January 2026.
Who will be eligible? Exact age groups will be confirmed in clinical guidance, but parents will be contacted by their GP surgery if their child is eligible.
How is it given? As part of the MMRV jab, which combines protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Is it safe? The chickenpox vaccine has been used safely for decades in countries including the US, Canada, Australia and Germany, where it has led to big drops in cases and hospital admissions.
How much will it cost? It will be free on the NHS. At present, families who choose private vaccination typically pay around £150 for a two-dose course.
What this means for children’s health
Health leaders say this is the most significant addition to the routine childhood vaccination programme since the meningitis B (MenB) jab was introduced in 2015.
Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “This is a hugely positive moment for families as the NHS gets ready to roll out a vaccine to protect children against chickenpox for the first time, adding to the arsenal of other routine jabs that safeguard against serious illness.
"We will work with vaccination teams and GP surgeries across the country to roll out the combined MMRV vaccine in the new year, helping to keep children healthy and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses.”
The rollout is part of a wider government plan to “raise the healthiest generation of children ever” by focusing on prevention rather than treatment.
Can children catch chickenpox after they've had the vaccination?
Yes, even after your child has had the vaccination they could still catch chickenpox, however it is rare to do so and the symptoms will usually be a lot milder. Fully vaccinated children are very unlikely to catch chickenpox.
Do parents need to do anything? No, from January 2026, your child may be offered a free chickenpox jab at their regular GP appointment. Expect to hear directly from your GP surgery if your child is eligible.