Children across the United Kingdom are set to be offered the chickenpox vaccine as part of a new National Health Service (NHS) immunisation programme.
Health officials confirmed that the rollout is aimed at protecting children from the highly contagious infection, which commonly causes itchy rashes, fever, and discomfort, but can sometimes lead to more serious complications.
The decision follows recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advised that adding the chickenpox jab to the routine childhood immunisation schedule would significantly reduce hospital admissions and ease the burden on families and the health system.
According to experts, the introduction of the vaccine will also help prevent the spread of the disease among school-aged children, where outbreaks are most common.
The programme is expected to begin in phases, with details on eligibility and rollout dates to be announced in the coming months.
Health authorities have urged parents to embrace the new policy, describing it as a “positive step for children’s health and wellbeing.”