Breaking news that every parent in England will welcome: the UK Government has confirmed that, starting January 2026, children will receive the chickenpox vaccine free of charge via the NHS. At Bright Futures Health, we’re excited by this milestone—and we’ll continue ensuring families have access to protection now, while they wait for the NHS programme to begin.
1. A Huge Leap Forward in Child Health
On 29 August 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and the UK Health Security Agency announced that from January…
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A combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella/chickenpox) will be given during routine GP appointments.
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It’s expected to protect roughly half a million children annually.
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This rollout aims to keep children healthy, help parents avoid taking time off work, and save the NHS an estimated £15 million per year, while mitigating productivity losses estimated at £24 million.
Since this is the first time chickenpox protection has been integrated into the routine schedule, it marks the most significant expansion of the UK childhood immunisation programme since the introduction of the MenB vaccine in 2015.
2. Why This Is a Game-Changer
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Chickenpox may be common—but it’s not consistently mild. For some kids, it can lead to serious complications like infections, lung or brain inflammation, or even stroke.
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Prof Chrissie Jones (UoS): “This is a safe and effective vaccine … for the first time all children will be able to access this vaccine whether or not their parents can pay…”
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Prof Helen Bedford (UCL/UCLH): “Excellent news … brings the UK in line with many other countries … highly effective and has a good safety record.
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3. While You Wait—Bright Futures Health Is Here for You
From now through to the NHS rollout in January 2026, Bright Futures Health will continue to offer private chickenpox vaccinations to families who want early protection. Benefits include:
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Access to the vaccine immediately, without delay or waiting lists.
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Peace of mind for busy parents.
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Bridging that crucial gap until NHS access becomes widespread.
Our clinics are ready to help protect your child now—so your family stays healthy and stress-free.
Don’t wait—protect your child today. Book your appointment now or reach out for more details on how to get vaccinated before the NHS rollout begins in January 2026.
