Parents and carers in Sefton are being urged to ensure their children get the benefit of the new chickenpox immunisation programme.

This month has seen the introduction of universal vaccination for chickenpox (also known as varicella). GP practices are now offering children a combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (MMRV) () vaccine at 12 months and 18 months.

Data shows that half of children will catch chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of ten.

Serious complications

Chickenpox is usually a mild illness that many of us experience in childhood, usually causing a few days of discomfort. However, for some people it can lead to serious complications and in some cases the need for hospital care.

Research has shown that in the UK, chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year, through parents and carers needing to take off work to care for them. The new vaccination will cut this cost as well as saving the NHS the £15 million a year it spends treating the condition.

Additionally, the NHS is also planning a single-dose catch-up programme later in the year for older children born between 1st January 2020 and 31st August 2022.

You can find out more about the MMRV vaccination here.

Most effective and safest way

Dr Rory McGill, Sefton Council’s Interim Director of Public Health said:
“Many of us remember chickenpox as a few days off school, feeling a little unwell, and trying our best not to scratch those incredibly itchy spots.”

“For most, it’s a mild illness, but for some it can be very serious, which can lead to hospitalisation. Babies, young children and adults can be affected and in some rare and tragic cases, it can be fatal.

“I would encourage all parents and carers to take up the MMRV immunisation when offered it.

"It’s the most effective and safest way to protect your child against the potentially serious effects of chickenpox as well as those of measles, mumps and rubella”.

Routine vaccination appointments

Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director for NHS England, called the roll out of the chickenpox vaccine as ‘a hugely positive moment for children and their families’. She said: “From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses.

“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention and keep more children safe and in school.”

Reassurance

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This new protection will give parents reassurance that their children are protected from a disease that sends thousands to hospital every year.

“We are determined to give every child the best start in life. I urge all parents to take up this offer when their GP contacts them – vaccines save lives.”