UK Introduces Combined MMRV Vaccine for Children to Include Chickenpox
From Friday, the NHS will begin administering a combined MMRV vaccine to children across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This vaccine includes protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and for the first time in the UK routine childhood immunisation programme, chickenpox. Infants will receive two doses of the MMRV vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age.
Previously, chickenpox vaccination was only available privately or provided to close contacts of vulnerable individuals. This policy update brings the UK in line with countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, where the MMRV vaccine is routinely given and has contributed to significant reductions in chickenpox cases and related hospital admissions.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised the switch to the MMRV vaccine based on evidence and experience, also considering the current shingles vaccination programme and related impacts. The implementation of this vaccine is projected to save the NHS approximately £15 million annually through fewer GP visits and hospital admissions, while families are expected to save around £24 million in lost income.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described this move as a historic milestone for children's health. Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray called it a major step forward. Helen Bedford of UCL emphasized that the decision is evidence-based, noting the rationale regarding shingles and the benefit of the integrated vaccination approach.
