The UK and Welsh Governments have today announced that they are to launch a chickenpox vaccination programme in England and Wales from January 2026, where eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments. Humanists UK welcomes this move, which is predicted to protect around half a million children each year.
The new programme will see eligible children receive the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunisations. Varicella is the clinical term for chickenpox. This move brings England and Wales into line with countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, where the vaccine is already part of national immunisation schedules.
There will also be a catch-up programme for slightly older children who have already had their MMR jabs, with details to be announced in due course.
The Government expects the move to reduce school absences and time off work for parents while saving the NHS millions in treatment costs. Research shows the chickenpox jab will save £24 million in lost productivity each year in the UK, and save NHS England £15 million in treatment costs.
Humanists UK has long supported evidence-based public health measures, including expanding access to vaccines. Universal vaccination programmes, based on the best available science, play a vital role in preventing illness, reducing health inequalities, and making sure children get the best start in life. Humanists UK encourages all parents to vaccinate their children, unless they have good medical reasons not to.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented:
‘This is fantastic news for families. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to protect children’s health and wellbeing. By making the chickenpox vaccine free on the NHS, we are taking an important step towards making sure that no child suffers needlessly from an illness we can prevent.
‘We hope that the governments and NHS in Scotland and Northern Ireland will now choose to follow England and Wales’s lead.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Read more about our work on public ethical issues.
Read more about humanists’ work to promote better health.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.