New vaccine stops chickenpox taking hold in childhood

Symptoms of the contagious illness and what immunisation policy change means for you

- DR AZEEM MAJEED

For many parents, chickenpox is often seen as little more than an unavoidable inconvenience.

But anyone who has cared for a miserable child covered in blisters or unable to sleep knows that chickenpox is not always mild. I had it as a six-year-old and I still remember the intensity and how unwell I felt at the time.

The good news is that as of January this year, the NHS is now offering chickenpox vaccination to children across the UK. This is a major change in immunisation policy and brings the UK into line with other countries, including the US, Germany and Australia.

WHAT IS CHICKENPOX?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes and contact.

The illness usually begins with fever, tiredness and feeling unwell before the typical rash appears. Most children recover within one or two weeks. They can be exhausted, irritable and unable to sleep because of intense itching. Parents need time off work, and children are unable to attend school.