A major expansion of the childhood immunisation programme has begun, with the NHS now offering a new combined vaccine that protects against chickenpox alongside measles, mumps, and rubella.
Who is eligible for the new MMRV jab?
From January 2026, a new MMRV vaccine is being offered to all young children in the UK. This single injection combines protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). Crucially, the programme is designed to include children who have already received one or both doses of the older MMR vaccine, ensuring no one misses out on the new chickenpox protection.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), explained the rollout to the Mirror. "Vaccination against chickenpox, also called varicella, will be delivered together with the MMR as a combined MMRV vaccine," she said.
A tailored schedule for different age groups
The NHS has created a detailed schedule to integrate the new jab, depending on a child's age and vaccination history.
For babies born on or after 1 January 2025: They will receive the new routine. The first MMRV dose is given at one year, and the second at 18 months.
If your child has already had one MMR dose: The path depends on their birth date. Children born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 will get an extra MMRV at 18 months and a second at three years and four months. This means they receive three MMR-containing doses, which research confirms is safe, and ensures full chickenpox immunity.
Those born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024 will receive the MMRV vaccine for their next scheduled dose instead of the standard MMR booster. This group ends up with two doses of MMR protection and one dose of chickenpox protection, which NHS guidance states offers "very good protection" against severe infection.
If your child has already had two MMR doses: Fully vaccinated children who have never had a chickenpox jab fall into a special 'catch-up group'. They will be offered a single dose of the full MMRV vaccine during a catch-up campaign launching in November 2026.
Why has the NHS introduced this vaccine?
This policy change follows extensive research by the NHS and UKHSA and brings the UK in line with countries like the US and Germany, where routine chickenpox vaccination has been standard for years. While often mild, chickenpox can lead to serious complications such as bacterial infections or pneumonia, and in rare cases can be fatal.
Dr Amirthalingam emphasised the positive impact: "It is excellent news that from January 2026 we will be protecting children against chickenpox through the NHS routine vaccination programme... This programme will have a really positive impact on children's health and lead to fewer missed nursery and school days."
Parents of children born on or after 1 January 2020 who have never had MMR vaccinations or chickenpox should contact their GP, as they will be eligible for the new MMRV jab. Children born on or before 31 December 2019 are generally outside the new routine programme and will be offered the older MMR vaccine if needed.
