The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in the UK is recommending the addition of the varicella vaccine to the routine childhood immunisation program, with two shots offered to all children.
Chickenpox parties, where children were intentionally exposed to the virus, are no longer recommended due to the availability of the chickenpox vaccine.
The varicella vaccine is currently available for free on the NHS to certain groups, including individuals with weakened immune systems or those in regular contact with high-risk individuals.