Eligible children on the IOM to be offered free chickenpox vaccines

The programme is due to be rolled out from January 2026

Eligible children on the Isle of Man will be able to get free chickenpox vaccinations from January 2026.

It's thought it will protect around 1,500 children each year.

The Department of Health and Social Care says the rollout will hopefully reduce sick days and the amount of time parents have to take off work.

It's thought chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK.

The vaccine will protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox and will form part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.

Parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible.

Manx Care says the chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Minister for the Department of Health and Social Care, Claire Christian, MHK says: "Adding the chickenpox vaccination marks a step forward in our commitment to protecting the health of our children and investing in the future of our community. 

"We are not only safeguarding young people from illnesses that can lead to severe health outcomes, but also reducing the burden on families and the wider healthcare system."

Private vaccinations for chickenpox at pharmacies and clinics currently cost around £150 for a full course of two doses. 

Teresa Cope, CEO of Manx Care says: "Preventing severe cases/serious complications of chickenpox is the aim of this vaccine programme – we hope this will help to reduce related hospitalisation or other serious outcomes. 

"We’re glad to be able to offer this important protection free of charge to eligible children from next year."

Dr. Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health says: "Chickenpox is often seen as a mild illness, but it can lead to serious complications, especially in babies, young children, and adults. 

"This vaccine offers vital protection and will help reduce hospital admissions, healthcare costs, and the risk of shingles later in life. 

"Countries like Germany, Canada, and the US have already seen significant benefits from introducing the MMRV vaccine."

You can find information about the MMRV vaccine here, and more information about the Isle of Man childhood immunisation programme here.

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