Why is chickenpox vaccination being offered to children in England next year?

The UK government has announced that a free chickenpox vaccination will be offered to children in England starting from January 2022. This move is aimed at reducing hospital admissions and protecting those most vulnerable to complications from the virus. Chickenpox is a common childhood illness, but it can lead to serious complications, particularly in certain groups, such as people with weakened immune systems. The vaccination program is expected to lower the number of hospital admissions and reduce the risk of complications for those most at risk. The decision to introduce the vaccination follows a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which concluded that the benefits of the program outweigh the potential risks. The vaccination will be offered as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule, providing protection for children at a critical stage of their development.