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Chickenpox Vaccine to Be Offered on NHS in England
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The chickenpox vaccine will soon be available for free to children in England,aiming to reduce hospitalizations and prevent severe cases.
By Anya Schmidt | LONDON – 2025/08/29 08:50:13
England will soon provide the chickenpox vaccine to all children via the National Health Service (NHS).The decision follows concerns about the increasing number of severe chickenpox cases requiring hospital treatment.
Health officials anticipate that introducing the vaccine will significantly decrease the burden on healthcare services and protect young children from potential complications associated with the virus.
The rollout is expected to begin in the coming months, with details on the exact timeline to be announced shortly.
According to a government spokesperson, the decision to offer the chickenpox vaccine on the NHS was made after careful consideration of the available data and expert advice.
“we’ve now realised that concern is much, much smaller – it’s almost non-existent,” he added.
Sarah (Mia’s Mum)
Sarah,a mother of two,believes the vaccine could have spared her daughters,Willow and Mia,from severe illness. both girls required hospital care last year due to complications from chickenpox.
Mia, the younger daughter, experienced a widespread rash and a subsequent skin infection, leading to significant health issues.
“She was just completely out of it…floppy.
“It was just an awful situation to be in.
“It was absolutely terrifying.”
“I would never want any child or any parent to go through what we’ve been through,” she stated, advocating for parents to consider vaccination.
Sarah
Vaccine Availability and shingles
“I would never want any child or any parent to go through what we’ve been through.”
Scotland and northern Ireland are also considering offering the chickenpox vaccine through their respective health services, though specific dates have not yet been announced.
A shingles vaccine is currently available on the NHS for adults turning 65, individuals aged 70 to 79, and those 50 and over with compromised immune systems.
It’s crucial to note that shingles cannot be contracted from someone with chickenpox; however, chickenpox can be contracted from someone with shingles if the individual has not previously had chickenpox.
While rare, it is possible to contract chickenpox more than once.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Speaking about recent vaccination data, Kinnock told the BBC that the government is concerned about vaccine uptake and growing hesitancy, which he attributed to the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.
To combat this, national and local campaigns will be launched to emphasize “the benefits of getting vaccinated and the fact that this is 100% safe,” he stated.
The government is also committed to tackling misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines circulating on social media platforms.
“It’s our job as the government, and everybody else out there that is on the side of common sense and reason, to make this case and to win this battle against the conspiracy theorists, and misinformers and disinformers out there who need to be dealt with and need to be silenced,” Kinnock added.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chickenpox vaccine
- Is the chickenpox vaccine safe?
- Yes, the chickenpox vaccine is considered safe and effective. It has been used for many years and has undergone extensive testing.
- What are the potential side effects of the chickenpox vaccine?
- Most side effects are mild and may include soreness or redness at the injection site, or a mild rash.
- How effective is the chickenpox vaccine?
- The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective, preventing chickenpox in about 90% of vaccinated individuals.
- Can adults get the chickenpox vaccine?
- Yes, adults who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated can receive the vaccine.
