AQW 42266/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 11/03/2026
Answered On Date: 27/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the chickenpox vaccine, including when parents can expect to be able to avail of it.

Answer:

A combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine was introduced into the childhood vaccination schedule from 1 January 2026. In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations, the MMRV vaccine replaced the MMR vaccine and is now being offered to children at 12 months and 18 months of age.

There will also be a selective catch-up programme for MMRV, for children under the age of 6 years old, without a history of chickenpox. This is due to commence from November 2026.