Changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule (from 31 October 2025)

Posted on:

On 31 October 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England announced a second phase of changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule. This follows the first phase introduced in July 2025.

These updates include the introduction of a combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine – known as MMRV, as well as a new 18-month vaccination appointment.

Introduction of the MMRV vaccine

From 1 January 2026, a new routine childhood vaccination programme will include the MMRV vaccine, which protects against:

  • -Measles
  • -Mumps
  • -Rubella
  • -Varicella (Chickenpox)

This change follows a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to introduce chickenpox vaccination into the routine programme.

Until now, chickenpox vaccination was not offered universally and was only available privately. The routine programme previously used the MMR vaccine alone.

What this means for parents and carers

Eligibility for the MMRV vaccine depends on your child’s date of birth.

Children born on or after 1 January 2025

  • –Two doses of MMRV
    • -First dose at 12 months
    • -Second dose at 18 months

Children born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024

  • -First MMR dose already given at 12 months
  • –MMRV at 18 months
  • -Second MMRV at the pre-school booster appointment

Children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024

  • –MMR at 12 months
  • –One dose of MMRV at the pre-school booster appointment

Catch-up programme (November 2026 – March 2028)

A catch-up programme will run from November 2026 to March 2028.

Eligible children:

  • -Born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022
  • -Will be offered one dose of MMRV if they:
    • -Have no history of chickenpox, or
    • -Have not received two doses of a varicella vaccine

Not eligible for MMRV catch-up:

  • -Children born on or before 31 December 2019

However, children in this group who have missed MMR doses remain eligible for the standard MMR catch-up programme.-

Changes to the use of the MMR Vaccine

  • –MMR will no longer be part of the routine childhood programme
  • -It will remain available for:
    • -Older children and adults
    • -Anyone requiring MMR catch-up vaccination

New 18-month vaccination appointment

A new 18-month vaccination appointment is being introduced.

  • –Children born on or after 1 July 2024 will be offered vaccinations at 18 months
  • -From age 2, children will be offered a yearly nasal flu vaccine
  • -At pre-school age, children will receive their final routine childhood vaccinations until adolescence

Further information will be shared as implementation progresses. Please speak to your GP or health visitor if you have questions about your child’s vaccinations and download the guide below.

MMRV vaccination guide for ParentsDownload