Chickenpox vaccine rollout in Northern Ireland welcomed by survivor

From January 2026, Northern Ireland will offer a combined MMRV vaccine to eligible children as part of the routine immunisation programme; an 18-year-old who had severe complications from chickenpox as a toddler has welcomed the change.

Children in Northern Ireland will be offered a combined MMRV vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme for the first time. The vaccine covers measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, the clinical term for chickenpox. The rollout is scheduled to begin in January 2026 for eligible children. An 18-year-old who had severe complications from chickenpox as a toddler has welcomed the new service. Key points: - From January 2026 a combined MMRV vaccine will be available for eligible children as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland. - This is the first time children in Northern Ireland are being offered this combined vaccine as part of the routine schedule. - The article mentions an 18-year-old who experienced severe complications after contracting chickenpox as a toddler and later relearned to walk. - The vaccine covers measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). Summary: The addition brings varicella protection into the routine immunisation schedule in Northern Ireland and represents a change in available services for children. The rollout is due to begin in January 2026 for eligible children.