The New Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine and What It Means for Practice

For the first time, the UK will introduce a chickenpox (varicella) vaccine into the routine NHS childhood immunisation schedule, beginning in January 2026. This will protect children against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella through a single combined vaccine, known as the MMRV vaccine.  

This is a major milestone in public health. It will prevent thousands of children from contracting chickenpox each year, an illness that, while often mild, can cause discomfort, complications, and significant disruption to families. The move supports the UK government’s ambition to create “the healthiest generation of children ever.” 
 
 

What Is the New Chickenpox Vaccine (MMRV)? 

The new MMRV vaccine combines four vital protections; measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) – in one convenient dose. Until now, the varicella vaccine was only available privately in the UK through some clinics and pharmacies. From 2026, it will be available free on the NHS as part of the national immunisation programme. The MMRV vaccine has already shown strong safety and efficacy in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, where it has been part of routine immunisation schedules for over a decade. 

When and How Will the Change Work in Practice? 

The introduction of the MMRV vaccine will be phased in from 1 January 2026, with both routine delivery and a structured catch-up programme to ensure all eligible children are protected. 

1. Routine Immunisation (from 1 January 2026) 

Children turning 12 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive two doses of MMRV at 12 months and again at 18 months. 
 
Children turning 18 months on or after this date will receive one dose of MMRV to complete their new schedule. 

2. Catch-Up Programme (2026–2027) 

 To ensure that children who previously received MMR but not varicella are protected, a comprehensive catch-up programme will run across 2026 and 2027: 
 
Children aged 18 months to 3 years 4 months on 1 January 2026 will be invited for one dose of MMRV instead of their second MMR. Catch-up for this group should be completed by 31 October 2026. 
 
Children aged 3 years 4 months to under 6 years will be offered a single universal MMRV catch-up dose by 31 March 2027. 
 
Children aged 6 to under 11 years with no previous history of chickenpox will also be invited for one MMRV dose, to be completed by 31 March 2027. 

 
3. Opportunistic and On-Request Offers (from 1 April 2027) 

From April 2027, a standing offer will remain in place for unvaccinated children aged 3 years 4 months to under 11 years with no documented history of chickenpox. These children will be eligible for a single opportunistic or on-request MMRV dose. 
 
 

What This Means for Healthcare Professionals  

 
This change represents one of the most significant updates to the UK immunisation programme in over a decade. For nurses, HCAs, practice teams, and community vaccinators, it will mean: 
 
– Familiarising yourself with the new vaccine schedule and catch-up criteria. 
- Updating patient information and consent materials. 
- Ensuring accurate documentation and coding for MMRV administration. 
- Following safe storage and handling protocols for combined live vaccines. 
- Understanding contraindications and precautions, particularly for children with immunosuppression or household exposure to pregnancy. 
- Providing clear and consistent communication to parents and guardians about the safety, benefits, and rationale for the new vaccine. 

Even if you have undergone vaccination training in the past, you need to stay up to date with the latest information, even if the methodology remains the same. This is also essential for anyone looking to further their career in healthcare, as the certification we provide is key for making your CV stand out.  
 
 

Updated Immunisation and Vaccination Training 

 
At Guardian Angels Training, our RCN-accredited Immunisation and Vaccination Courses will include comprehensive coverage of the new MMRV vaccine and the catch-up programme. Our training supports healthcare professionals in: 
 
– Understanding updated UKHSA and Green Book guidance. 
- Maintaining competence and confidence in vaccine administration. 
- Applying evidence-based techniques and national safety standards. 
- Meeting professional revalidation requirements in line with NMC and RCN frameworks. 

All training is delivered by experienced clinical educators actively working in primary care, ensuring every session is current, practical, and reflective of real-world vaccination practice. We continuously update our materials in response to UKHSA guidance, new vaccine introductions, and legislative changes, ensuring every course remains accurate and compliant with the latest best practice. 
 
 

Who Needs Vaccination Training  

These training updates are essential for: 
 
– Practice Nurses and Nurse Associates 
- General Practitioners 
- Healthcare Assistants and Clinical Support Workers 
- Health Visitors and Community Nurses 
- School Nursing and Immunisation Teams 
 
Courses are delivered onsite for healthcare organisations and can be tailored to your setting. For example, if your team works in a school setting, we’ll adapt our course with more relevant data.  

 
 
Key Takeaways for Practice 

The MMRV vaccine will become part of the UK routine schedule from January 2026, replacing the two-dose MMR series. A national catch-up programme will run through 2026–2027 to ensure all children under 11 are offered protection against chickenpox.  
 
Clinicians must be familiar with eligibility, timing, and contraindications before administration. 
 
Updated training is essential for safe practice and professional compliance. 
 
Practices should begin reviewing vaccination records, staff competence, and patient communication materials ahead of rollout. 
 
 

Stay Informed, Stay Competent 

By undertaking up-to-date vaccination and immunisation training, you’ll be prepared to deliver the MMRV vaccine safely and confidently as it becomes part of routine practice. 
 
Contact Guardian Angels Training today to arrange your onsite Immunisation and Vaccination Training course, or to discuss bespoke updates for your practice team. 
 
 

Disclaimer 
 
This information is intended for healthcare professionals working in general practice, community health, and immunisation services. It summarises current UKHSA guidance as of October 2025. 
Always refer to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), NHS England, and The Green Book: Immunisation Against Infectious Disease for the most up-to-date policy and clinical information.