Chickenpox vaccination to become free for children in England for the initial time

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has announced plans to introduce a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) as part of its routine vaccination schedule, starting from January 2023. This move is expected to save the cash-strapped NHS £15 million (€17.4 million) per year in treatment costs and reduce the incidence of chickenpox-related complications.

Chickenpox, a common childhood illness, typically affects children aged two to eight. Symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, fatigue, and blotchy skin. Most people recover quickly, but babies, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia, liver problems, brain swelling known as encephalitis, and congenital varicella syndrome, which causes lifelong disabilities.

Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are highly effective at preventing both infection and serious illness. The vaccine has a good safety record and is highly effective, according to Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency.

The decision to provide the chickenpox vaccine to all children will also help reduce disparities in access to the jab, as stated by Chrissie Jones, a professor of paediatric infectious diseases at the University of Southampton. Approximately half a million children will be eligible for the vaccine each year.

England will join countries such as Germany, Canada, the United States, and Australia, which already offer the vaccine on a routine basis. Elsewhere in Europe, the chickenpox vaccine is required for babies in certain countries and recommended in others. For instance, it is required for babies in Hungary, Italy, and Latvia, and recommended in Austria, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The vaccine rollout is expected to have a positive impact on the health of young children, leading to fewer missed nursery and school days. Currently, childhood chickenpox causes an estimated £24 million (€27.8 million) in lost income and productivity every year in the UK.

It is worth noting that the vaccine rollout comes amid data showing nearly 1 in 5 young children in England are missing routine vaccinations. However, the NHS will provide the chickenpox vaccine to all children, making it accessible regardless of the ability to pay privately. The vaccine is currently privately available at a cost of approximately £150 (€174) in the UK.

In conclusion, the introduction of the chickenpox vaccine in England's routine vaccination schedule is a significant step towards improving the health of children and reducing the financial burden of treating chickenpox. The vaccine is expected to be highly effective and safe, and its rollout is expected to have a positive impact on the health and productivity of young children in England.

Chickenpox vaccination to become free for children in England for the initial time