UK Launches Chickenpox Vaccine Alongside MMR Jab
The NHS has officially begun the rollout of a chickenpox vaccine, marking the first time this immunisation will be available to young children in the UK. The new jab will be offered in conjunction with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, to children aged between 12 and 18 months.
Health Experts Welcome the Move
This combined vaccination, already implemented in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, has been positively received by health professionals. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) made the recommendation for the rollout in 2023, and it is expected that hundreds of thousands of children across England will be eligible from today.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “This new vaccine will make a real difference for children and families.” He noted that while chickenpox can be bothersome, it also poses serious health risks, with potential complications that could be fatal.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for the vaccine is structured as follows:
- Children born on or after 1 January 2025 will receive two doses of the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months.
- Those born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 will be offered one dose at 18 months and a second dose at three years, four months.
- Children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024 will be eligible for a single dose at three years, four months.
- A catch-up scheme will be available for those born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022.
NHS England has stated that general practitioners will reach out to families as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.
Health Officials Stress Importance
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, highlighted that the chickenpox vaccine has demonstrated a strong efficacy in other nations, coupled with a solid safety record. Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director for NHS England, described the introduction of this vaccine as a significant advancement for child healthcare, enhancing existing protective measures against various diseases.
Dr Fuller remarked, “This is a hugely positive moment for children and their families, providing protection against chickenpox for the first time.” She underscored that this new addition to routine vaccinations would help keep more children safe and support their continued attendance in school.
Background
The inclusion of a chickenpox vaccine in the UK vaccination programme aligns with global health initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of the disease. Historically, chickenpox has been a common childhood illness, with potential risks that warrant the need for widespread vaccination. The UK now joins a growing list of countries that have prioritised the immunisation of children against this illness.
Source: Original Article
