Overview

• The NHS will introduce a two‑dose MMRV vaccine through GP practices, replacing the current MMR at 12 and 18 months.
• The rollout is expected to protect around 500,000 children each year once it starts in January 2026.
• Government estimates point to £15 million in annual NHS savings, with chickenpox linked to about £24 million in lost productivity.
• The JCVI recommended adding varicella in November 2023, bringing England in line with programmes in the US, Canada, Australia and Germany.
• Low vaccination uptake poses a challenge, with 2024/25 MMR coverage at 91.9% for one dose and 83.7% for two by age five, and this is the first addition to the childhood schedule since 2015.