Chickenpox vaccine now available for children in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Families across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can now benefit from an important addition to the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme.

From January 2026, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine has been introduced for the first time, helping to protect children from this common but sometimes serious illness. Now, children born on or after 1 July 2024 will be offered a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age. There will also be a single dose catch-up vaccination available for children aged up to six years who have not received their first dose or have missed a dose and have not had chickenpox before.

Matthew Missen, Consultant in Public Health for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said:

“This is a really positive step for families across our area. The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including Canada, Australia and Germany. While many people think of chickenpox as a mild childhood illness, it is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for some people.

“By introducing this vaccine locally, we can help protect more children, reduce absences from nursery and school, and ease the impact on health services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”

Heather Johnstone, a former midwife and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB’s Chief Nursing Officer, said:

“Children, especially those with underlying health conditions, are regularly admitted to hospital with complications from chickenpox. The introduction of the varicella vaccine will make a real difference in preventing these cases and ensuring children stay healthy.

“It’s really important that families take up the offer of vaccination when invited, as it provides the best protection for their children and helps stop the spread of the illness to more vulnerable people in the community.”

From January 2026, parents and carers will receive invitations when their child is due to have the chickenpox vaccine. Vaccinations will usually take place at GP surgeries as part of the routine childhood immunisation appointments.

Children eligible for the selective catch-up programme will also be contacted by their GP practice. Parents who think their child may have missed a vaccination can speak to their GP, practice nurse or health visitor to check and arrange an appointment.

For information about the MMRV vaccine, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/

For information about NHS vaccinations and when to have them, visit: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

For information about vaccinations for babies and pre-school children, visit: Vaccinations for babies and pre-school children – Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, ICS