College responds to launch of chickenpox vaccine

College Chair Kamila Hawthorne responds to the Government’s launch of the chickenpox vaccination programme in England, taking effect from January 2026.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “The Childhood Vaccination Programme is one of the most important health interventions a parent can make on behalf of their child. It's protected millions of people for decades against potentially dangerous conditions, so we're pleased to see it being expanded to include chickenpox.

“While chickenpox will be a source of discomfort and irritation for most children, for vulnerable patients with weakened immune systems it can have more serious effects, and the vaccine will help protect them.

“GPs and our teams will be instrumental not only in the delivery of this vaccine, but also in spreading awareness and addressing any concerns that parents may have around this vaccination, and vaccinations more broadly.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.