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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Why is the UK proposing chickenpox vaccines and do we really need them?

A vial of chickenpox vaccine
US data shows that the country’s vaccination programme has prevented 91m cases over 25 years. Photograph: Elaine Thompson/AP

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, and is common in the UK. It results in an itchy rash, and aches, a high temperature and a loss of appetite can also occur, according to the NHS.

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