Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme
Documents relating to the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme.
From 1 January 2026, all children will be offered a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) as part of the childhood routine 2-dose vaccination schedule. Dose 1 will be offered at one year of age and dose 2 will be brought forward from 3 years 4 months to the new 18-month appointment. Information on eligibility and timing of vaccination is available in the routine childhood immunisation schedule and the Introduction of a routine varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme letter.
From 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2028 there will be a single dose selective MMRV catch-up programme for older children who have not yet had chickenpox infection or 2 doses of varicella vaccination.