From 1 January 2026, children across England will begin receiving a new combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This MMRV vaccination programme marks a significant step in expanding the NHS’s routine childhood immunisation schedule and aims to reduce the spread of chickenpox and other preventable diseases among young children.
New MMRV vaccine schedule from 2026
Under the new plan recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), all children will be offered two doses of the combined MMRV vaccine instead of the current MMR vaccine. The first dose will be given at 12 months, and the second at 18 months. This change will fully replace the separate MMR vaccine in the NHS’s regular vaccination programme.
To ensure a smooth transition, the second MMR dose currently given at three years and four months will now move to 18 months for children born on or after 1 July 2024. This adjustment helps strengthen early protection and aligns with global best practices in immunisation timing.
Eligibility for routine MMRV vaccination
The updated schedule applies to different age groups as follows:
- Children born on or after 1 January 2025 will receive two MMRV doses — one at 12 months and another at 18 months.
- Those born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 will receive their first MMRV dose at 18 months and a second at three years and four months.
- Children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024 will receive one MMRV dose at their 3 years 4 months appointment.
Any child with incomplete or uncertain vaccination records will be managed according to the UKHSA immunisation algorithm, which is being updated to include these new changes.
Catch-up campaign for older children
Alongside the routine rollout, a selective catch-up programme will run from November 2026 to March 2028. This one-dose programme targets children aged between 3 years 4 months and under 6 years (born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022) who have not had chickenpox or two doses of a varicella-containing vaccine.
Parents will not need to provide formal proof of their child’s chickenpox history — those who respond to the offer can be vaccinated directly. The vaccine is considered safe even for children who may have already had the infection.
Focus on safety and inclusivity
Health authorities have assured that there are no safety issues with giving MMRV to children who previously had chickenpox or varicella vaccination. The programme will use two interchangeable vaccines — Priorix-Tetra® (manufactured by GSK) and ProQuad® (by MSD). Both are clinically equivalent, though Priorix-Tetra® may be preferred for families avoiding porcine gelatine products.
Importantly, a varicella-only vaccine will not be included in the NHS routine or catch-up schedules. However, MMR-only vaccines will still be available for older individuals born before 31 December 2019 who have not received two doses of MMR and are ineligible for MMRV.
What this means for parents
Parents can expect their child’s vaccination invitations to follow the updated schedule beginning in 2026. For children who miss their appointments, local health teams will offer catch-up opportunities. The programme aims to strengthen protection against four serious childhood illnesses and reduce the spread of chickenpox within families, schools, and the wider community.
The NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) encourage parents and guardians to keep track of their child’s vaccination records and attend the scheduled appointments for both doses.
Key takeaway
The routine MMRV vaccination programme represents a major public health improvement for children in England. By combining four vaccines into one, it simplifies the schedule, boosts immunity at an earlier age, and provides stronger community protection against preventable diseases. Families are advised to stay informed through NHS communications and ensure their children are fully vaccinated according to the new timetable.