New chickenpox vaccination for children

If your child was born on or after 1 October 2024, you will be offered a free chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine for them. The vaccine is now part of their routine childhood vaccinations.

Your child can get the vaccine from your GP when they are 12 months old.

If your child was born before 1 October 2024, you can ask your GP for the vaccine, but you will have to pay for it.

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus and causes skin rash and itchy blisters.

Find out more about 👉 Vaccinations for children and young people.