Childhood Chickenpox Vaccine Recommended For Use On The NHS

THE chickenpox vaccine should be introduced on the NHS for young children, scientists advising the Government have recommended.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises UK health departments, said the jab should be given to all youngsters in two doses when they are aged 12 months and 18 months.

Data from other countries suggests the vaccine (also known as the varicella jab) will prevent most severe cases in children and help "make chickenpox a problem of the past", experts said.

The JCVI has also recommended a temporary catch-up program for older children.