A new vaccination program to protect young children against chickenpox begins today, January 2, 2024, in Wales. This initiative marks the first time that all children aged 12 to 18 months across the United Kingdom will be offered a vaccine for chickenpox, also known as Varicella. The program follows recommendations from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advised that a universal varicella vaccination program should be included in the routine childhood immunisation schedule.
The vaccination will be administered in a two-dose series, with the first dose given at 12 months and the second at 18 months. The vaccine used will be the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine. Additionally, a catch-up program for older children, up to six years of age, will be implemented later this year.
Chickenpox is a prevalent virus that affects a significant number of children. While most cases are mild and resolve without medical intervention, complications can arise. Serious issues include bacterial infections, skin lesions, and in rare instances, conditions such as encephalitis, pneumonitis, and stroke. Each year in Wales, over 4,000 individuals visit their GP due to chickenpox, with more than 300 requiring hospital admission.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, expressed his support for the rollout, stating, “I am pleased to see the chickenpox vaccine being rolled out across Wales from today. Evidence shows the vaccine is safe and effective and will help to prevent children becoming seriously ill. I would urge parents to take up the offer of vaccination and if they have questions to speak to their GP for further information.”
Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, emphasized the importance of the vaccination, noting, “Chickenpox is a very infectious disease. It is very common. Most children with chickenpox recover after about a week but some children have a more serious illness and need to be admitted to hospital.” She highlighted that the MMRV vaccine protects against multiple infections, saving lives and preventing complications.
Dr. Christopher Johnson, Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, reinforced the benefits of the MMRV vaccine. “This vaccine will now help protect children from four different infections – measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). Chickenpox is a very common virus that usually causes mild symptoms, but it can be extremely uncomfortable and, in some cases, very serious. The MMRV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against chickenpox.”
Dr. Johnson also urged parents to ensure their children receive all routine childhood immunisations. “Making sure your child receives all their routine childhood immunisations is crucial for protecting their health. I strongly encourage all parents to take their children to their vaccination appointments when invited.”
As Wales embarks on this critical vaccination program, the initiative aims to reduce the incidence of chickenpox and its complications, contributing to better health outcomes for children across the region.
