The UK government confirmed that a chickenpox vaccine will join the National Health Service’s routine childhood immunisation programme from January 2026. The jab will be delivered as part of a new combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine offered at 12 and 18 months, replacing the existing MMR schedule. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said the measure is expected to protect roughly 500,000 children each year, cutting an estimated £15 million in NHS treatment costs and reducing the £24 million in lost income and productivity parents incur when caring for infected children. The vaccine currently costs families about £150 per course if obtained privately. The decision follows a 2023 recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and brings the UK into line with programmes already in place in Germany, Australia, Canada and the United States. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam of the UK Health Security Agency noted that while chickenpox is usually mild, it can lead to serious complications, hospitalisation and, in rare cases, death. Officials hope the rollout will also bolster confidence in childhood vaccines after uptake for existing jabs fell below the World Health Organization’s 95 percent target in 2024-25. NHS England said it will work with GP practices and vaccination teams to ensure smooth distribution of the new MMRV vaccine in the new year.