Why is the NHS offering the chickenpox vaccine and is my child eligible?
Briefly

A national news outlet requests donations to fund on-the-ground reporting across reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, and emphasizes free access to journalism without paywalls funded by those who can afford it. The outlet cites investigations into political funding and a documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights as examples of its reporting. Separately, the NHS in England will add a free chickenpox (varicella) vaccine to the childhood schedule from January 2026 as part of a combined MMRV jab. The combined vaccine will replace the MMR, be offered at GP practices, and is expected to protect about 500,000 children annually. Chickenpox commonly causes an itchy, spotted rash and may be preceded by fever and loss of appetite, though some children can develop serious complications such as bacterial infections.
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A chickenpox vaccine will soon be rolled out on the NHS in England, the government has confirmed. The jab, available from January, currently costs around 150 when bought privately. It will now be free, forming part of a new combined immunisation on the childhood vaccination programme. Chickenpox is one of the most common childhood illnesses. The main identifying symptom is an itchy, spotted rash over the body. This can also be preceded by high temperature, loss of appetite and feeling unwell.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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