Chickenpox Vaccination England: Why Next Year?
England to Offer Free chickenpox Vaccine to Children, Starting January
For the first time, the NHS in England will provide a free chickenpox vaccination to children, starting in January.This marks a significant step forward in protecting children from the highly contagious infection and preventing potential complications.
what is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella zoster virus, is a common infection in the UK. It is indeed characterized by an itchy rash and can also cause aches, fever, and loss of appetite, according to the NHS.
While most people contract chickenpox in childhood – about 90% by the age of 10, according to UK Health Security Agency – and experience a mild illness, it can be more severe in adults who have not been previously infected.
Once someone has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles, especially when the immune system is weakened. The UK has had a worldwide shingles vaccination program in place for older adults since 2013.
Who Can Currently Get a Chickenpox Vaccination on the NHS?
Currently, the varicella vaccination is available privately for around £150 for two doses. However, the NHS offers free vaccinations to specific groups, including children and adults who are in close contact with individuals who are vulnerable to severe chickenpox complications or have weakened immune systems.
A separate shingles vaccine is already available on the NHS for adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79, and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
What’s New?
Starting in January, GP practices in England will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.
This decision was based on expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), after research highlighted the significant impact of severe chickenpox cases on children’s health, hospital admissions, and associated costs.It’s important to note that healthcare policy is devolved in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Goodbye Chickenpox Parties, Hello Protection
Gone are the days of “chickenpox parties,” where parents intentionally exposed their children to the virus. The introduction of the chickenpox vaccine not onyl prevents children from experiencing the discomfort of the rash but can also save lives. In rare cases, chickenpox can lead to serious complications such as bacterial infections, inflammation of the lungs or brain, and even stroke.
Furthermore, the vaccine helps protect the broader community by reducing the circulation of the virus, safeguarding adults who have not had chickenpox, including pregnant women and their unborn children, for whom the infection can be dangerous.
England Joins Other Nations in Prioritizing Chickenpox Vaccination
England is not the first country to offer a routine chickenpox vaccine. Germany, Canada, Australia, and the US have already incorporated the vaccine into their childhood immunization programs. Data from these countries demonstrates that routine chickenpox vaccination considerably reduces cases of the infection.