UK Chickenpox Alert
Experts warn of outbreaks as 1 in 5 English kids start school unprotected. CDC : Pexels

Amid rising concerns over faltering infant immunisation rates in England, the NHS announces a free chickenpox vaccine for young children starting January 2026, as experts warn of potential outbreaks due to coverage levels far below the 95% needed for herd immunity.

England faces a public health crisis with childhood vaccination rates at their lowest in over a decade. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), no routine vaccine met the World Health Organization's 95% target in 2024-25. This leaves one in five children starting primary school unprotected against serious diseases like measles and whooping cough.

The introduction of the combined MMRV vaccine, protecting against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, aims to reverse this trend. Previously costing around £150 ($202) privately for two doses, the jab will now be free on the NHS, targeting around 500,000 children annually.

Experts Warn: 5 Key Statistics Reveal England's Vaccination Crisis in 2025

Faltering infant immunisation rates threaten herd immunity across the UK. UKHSA data highlights stark gaps in protection.

  • Only 83.7% of five-year-olds received both MMR doses, down from 83.9% the previous year and the lowest since 2009-10.
  • First MMR dose coverage stood at 91.9% for five-year-olds, unchanged but the lowest since 2010-11.
  • The four-in-one preschool booster (polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria) reached just 81.4%, leaving 18.6% of children vulnerable.
  • Regional disparities are alarming: MMR uptake ranges from 90%1 in the North East to 69.6% in London.
  • Chickenpox causes £24 million ($29 million) in annual lost productivity from parents taking time off work, with the NHS expecting £15 million ($18 million) in savings post-vaccination.

These figures underscore weak infant immunisation rates, fueling fears of resurgent diseases. Prof Helen Bedford from UCL Institute of Child Health stated, 'The country is facing a serious wake-up call, because if we continue down this path we're going to see many more children unwell and we're going to see more deaths.'

How Low Immunisation Rates Spark Chickenpox Fears in 2025 Families

While no widespread chickenpox outbreak grips the UK as of August 2025, experts link declining rates to heightened risks. The varicella virus, highly contagious via airborne droplets, causes itchy rashes and flu-like symptoms but can lead to encephalitis, pneumonitis, or stroke in vulnerable groups like infants and pregnant women.

Sarah, a mother whose daughters Willow and Mia suffered severe chickenpox requiring hospitalization, shared her ordeal: 'It was just an awful situation to be in.' Her story highlights human drama amid weak infant immunisation rates, where even mild cases disrupt family life.

A YouGov-inspired UKHSA parental attitudes survey in 2025 revealed 85% of parents view childhood vaccines as safe, up from 84% in 2023, yet access barriers persist in deprived areas. London faces the steepest challenges, with frequent moves hindering GP registrations, per Nuffield Trust analysis.

NHS Steps Up: 3 Ways Free Chickenpox Vaccine Boosts Family Planning in 2025

The MMRV rollout integrates seamlessly into the routine schedule at 12 and 18 months, simplifying family planning around immunisations. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock urged, 'Vaccines save thousands of lives every year and prevent countless hospital admissions. I urge all parents to check their child's vaccination record.'

By integrating the MMRV jab into routine schedules, this initiative aims to protect children and ease parental fears.

Writer's pick