Children in Northern Ireland will be offered a free vaccination against chickenpox for the first time starting in January 2026.

The new combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine will be added to the routine infant vaccination schedule.

The decision follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which highlighted the significant health impact of severe chickenpox cases, including hospital admissions and related costs. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the vaccine, which has proven to be safe and effective in other countries, will empower parents to protect their children from potentially serious complications. He added that the rollout would reduce absences from school and nursery, and support parents by minimising the need to take time off work.

Professor Sir Michael McBride, the Chief Medical Officer, said that while most cases are mild, the disease is highly contagious and can lead to hospitalisations from serious secondary infections. He encouraged parents and guardians to take up the vaccination offer when their children become eligible.

The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. This marks the first time a new disease has been added to the childhood vaccination programme since the MenB vaccine in 2015.