Although a mild disease for most children, chickenpox still has a significant burden for families and the NHS. In East Newcastle it is estimated that 1,145 school days are lost to chickenpox and over £330,000 lost in family income each year as parents take time off to care for a sick child. It poses a particular burden on more deprived families. I have asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care what steps he is taking to reduce this impact.