You may be aware that from January 2026 there will be some changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.
These updates have been introduced to give children earlier and broader protection against serious illnesses. The revised schedule ensures vaccinations are offered at the most effective times to help protect children as early as possible.
Your GP practice will contact you when your child or children are due to receive their vaccinations. However, if you believe your child is due a vaccination and you have not yet been contacted, you can speak to your GP practice directly to arrange an appointment.
Key changes to the vaccination schedule
MMRV vaccine. The MMR vaccine will be replaced by the MMRV vaccine. This single vaccine protects against four serious diseases:
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- chickenpox (also known as varicella)
18-month vaccination appointment. For children born on or after 1 July 2024, a new vaccination appointment will be introduced at 18 months of age. At this appointment, children will be offered a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine. This dose was previously given at 12 months.
Other updates
- The pneumococcal vaccine will be given at 16 weeks of age instead of 12 weeks
- The second dose of the meningococcal B vaccine will be offered at 12 weeks of age instead of 16 weeks
Further information about these changes is available on the UK Health Security Agency blog.
| If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vaccinations, your GP practice will be happy to provide advice and support. |
Content from NHS Mid and South Essex
SWF Health & Social Care Group 