Annexe A: information and resources to support implementation
Published 31 October 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-a-routine-varicella-mmrv-vaccination-programme/annexe-a-information-and-resources-to-support-implementation
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)
At its meeting in October 2023, the JCVI recommended [footnote 1] that a universal 2-dose varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme offering vaccination at 12 and 18 months of age using the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine be introduced into the routine childhood schedule.
Furthermore, at the February 2024 JCVI meeting, following further cost-effectiveness analysis of a one-dose varicella catch-up programme, the JCVI advised a universal varicella catch-up programme for older children aged over 18 months up to and including 5 years. The Committee also advised a targeted catch-up programme should be undertaken for children aged from 6 years and up to and including 10 years with no history of chickenpox infection (based on parental recall) or prior varicella vaccination [footnote 2].
Following the outcome of the MMRV tender process, it was determined that the original JCVI advice on a catch-up programme was not feasible due to limited vaccine supply within the planned window of implementation. The JCVI therefore then advised a modified catch-up varicella programme based on the best use of available MMRV vaccine for impact on public health. This advice is captured in its June 2025 meeting minutes [footnote 3].
Funding and service arrangements
Routine NHS-funded vaccinations and immunisations are delivered as essential services under the GP Contract and have been agreed via consultation with GPC England in the 2025/26 GP contract. The changes to the routine childhood programme, described in this letter, will be reflected in the Green Book.
Practices should offer the routine NHS MMRV vaccination programme in line with vaccination and immunisation standards and core contractual requirements, including undertaking call/recall for patients as they become eligible.
Regional commissioners will need to ensure all commissioned services including but not limited to, School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) teams, Child Health Immunisation Service (CHIS) providers and 0-19 vaccination services, are informed of these changes.
Funding arrangements are outlined in the General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlements Directions and covered under the Public Health Allocation to regional commissioners.
Centrally supplied vaccines
MMRV vaccine will be available to order in the usual way online via the ImmForm website. See the ImmForm help sheet for information on registering for an ImmForm account. Providers should ensure that local stocks of vaccine are rotated in fridges so that wastage is minimised. It is recommended that practices hold no more than 2 weeks’ worth of stock.
The programme will use 2 combined MMRV vaccines, Priorix-Tetra® (GSK) and ProQuad® (MSD). The vaccines are considered clinically equivalent and interchangeable. However, Priorix-TETRA may be preferred for children who do not accept porcine gelatine and can be preferentially ordered by practices in the same way that MMR is.
See Green Book chapter 3 for more information on storage, distribution and disposal of vaccines: the green book, chapter 3
Patient Group Directions (PGDs)
Updated PGD templates will be produced for both MMR and MMRV by UKHSA for NHS England areas to authorise for their commissioned services. This will be available from the PGD collection on GOV.UK.
Immunisation Against Infectious Disease (the Green Book)
Detailed clinical guidance on varicella and MMRV vaccination will be covered in the following chapters of the Green Book:
In addition, the following chapters will also be updated to align with the changes:
Training and information resources for healthcare practitioners
Staff must be trained and competent to undertake activities within their scope of practice to support the vaccination programmes.
Training and information resources for healthcare practitioners will be made available on GOV.UK.
Relevant measles and varicella guidance on public health management of case contacts, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and outbreaks, will be updated in due course.
Patient information materials
All patient facing resources can be ordered free of charge via Find Public Health Resources.
The core leaflets will be revised to include the MMRV vaccine:
- Immunisations: babies up to 13 months of age
- Immunisations at one year of age
- Vaccinations for children aged 18 months
- Pre-school vaccinations: guide to vaccinations from 2 to 5 years
- MMRV for all: general leaflet
Translated and accessible versions will be available to order. All users need to register to receive deliveries. If you register as a health professional, you can order 500 to 1,000 copies on the website. For larger quantities, please call 0300 123 1002 or email dhextracopies@prolog.co.uk.
Consent
Guidance on informed consent can be found in chapter 2 of the Green Book.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions
Healthcare professionals and members of public are asked to report suspected adverse reactions through the online Yellow Card scheme by downloading the Yellow Card app or by calling the Yellow Card scheme on 0800 731 6789 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Responding to vaccine incidents
Guidance for providers and commissioners of immunisation services to decide the appropriate response to vaccine incidents: Vaccine incident guidance: responding to vaccine errors.
Vaccine coverage data collection
Coverage of one and 2 doses of MMRV vaccine will be collected. Local Authority and GP practice-level MMRV vaccine coverage will be based on data automatically uploaded via participating CHIS to COVER for publication of Official Statistics by UKHSA and made available on GOV.UK.
From 1 January 2026, MMRV given at 12 and 18 months will be captured in COVER and reported at 2 and 5 years of age.
The data will be validated and analysed by UKHSA to check data completeness, identify and query any anomalous results and describe epidemiological trends.