The New NHS Chickenpox Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know

1 day ago
3 min read

Posted by Dr Zuwase Mwale Date: January 2026

As of January 2026, there has been a significant change to the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. We know many parents in Bath have questions about the new combined MMRV vaccine, which now protects against Chickenpox (Varicella) alongside Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

While Pulteney Pharmacy does not administer this specific vaccine (it is provided exclusively through your GP surgery), we want to ensure our community has the correct information, the new timetable, and advice on how to manage post-jab side effects.

What is the MMRV Vaccine?

Previously, the chickenpox vaccine was only available privately or for vulnerable groups. Now, it has been added to the routine NHS schedule to help reduce childhood hospital admissions and stop the spread of Varicella.

The new jab is called MMRV. It replaces the standalone MMR vaccine for certain doses and includes protection against:

Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Varicella (Chickenpox)

Who is Eligible? (The 2026 Rollout)

The NHS rollout is strictly based on your child's date of birth. Here is the breakdown of who gets the vaccine and when:

Babies born on or after 1 January 2025:
You will be offered two doses of the MMRV vaccine.
- 1st Dose: At 12 months old.
- 2nd Dose: At 18 months old (this is a new routine appointment).
Catch-up for older children:
There is a catch-up campaign for children born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024, and a modified schedule for those born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024.

Important: You do not need to call the pharmacy to book this. Your GP surgery will contact you when your child is due for their appointment.

The New Childhood Vaccination Schedule (2026)

Keeping track of appointments can be tricky. We have compiled the updated schedule below, including the new 18-month check-up.

Age	Vaccine	What it protects against
8 Weeks	6-in-1 (Dose 1) Rotavirus (Dose 1) MenB (Dose 1)	Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Whooping Cough, Hib, Hep B, Rotavirus, Meningitis B
12 Weeks	6-in-1 (Dose 2) Rotavirus (Dose 2) Pneumococcal (PCV) (Dose 1)	Same as above + Pneumococcal infections
16 Weeks	6-in-1 (Dose 3) MenB (Dose 2)	Completing primary protection
1 Year (12 Months)	MMRV (Dose 1) Hib/MenC Booster MenB Booster PCV Booster	Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox + Meningitis/Septicaemia boosters
18 Months (NEW)	MMRV (Dose 2)	Second dose for full Chickenpox protection
3 Years 4 Months	Pre-school Booster (4-in-1) MMRV or MMR (depending on catch-up)	Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Whooping Cough + MMR/V
12-13 Years	HPV Vaccine	Cervical and other cancers
14 Years	3-in-1 Booster MenACWY	Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio + Meningitis strains

Why has this changed?

According to data from The Conversation and NHS England, chickenpox is usually mild but can lead to serious complications (such as bacterial infections like Group A Strep) in some children.

By introducing this routine vaccination, the NHS aims to:

Prevent severe cases of chickenpox.
Reduce GP visits and hospital admissions.
Prevent adults (who may have missed it as children) from catching it later in life when it is more dangerous.
Reduce the number of days parents have to take off work to care for sick children.

Missed the schedule? Pulteney Pharmacy Can Help

If your child falls into an older age group not covered by the NHS catch-up, or if you simply prefer not to wait for the official rollout dates, we have a solution.

You can obtain the Chickenpox vaccine privately at Pulteney Pharmacy.

Our private service is ideal for:

Children born before 2020 who may noy be eligible for the NHS catch-up.
Parents who want to protect their children sooner than their scheduled 2026/2027 appointment.
Adults who have never had chickenpox and wish to be protected.

Our Private Service Details:

Cost: £85 per dose (Two doses are required for full protection).
Convenience: Book online or visit us on Great Pulteney Street.
Expertise: Administered by our trained clinical team in a professional, calm environment.

Click here to Book a Private Chickenpox Vaccine Appointment