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Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV and MMR) containing vaccines - Eligibility for the MMRV and MMR vaccines

MMRV vaccine – measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)

The MMRV vaccine is offered free of charge by the NHS as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.  

From 1st January 2026: 

Babies aged 12 months or younger on 1st January 2026 are offered the MMRV vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations: 

  • The first dose is offered at 12 months old. 
  • The second dose is offered at 18 months old. The 18-month visit is a new vaccination appointment. 

It’s important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best possible protection. Having both doses gives long lasting protection against infection.  

Some older children may be offered an MMRV vaccination as part of the chickenpox catch-up programme. Eligibility depends on their age, and whether they have had chickenpox infection or two doses of chickenpox (varicella) in the past.  

The MMRV vaccine has been used for many years in other countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In other countries, giving the MMRV vaccine has led to a big drop in cases of chickenpox in children.

For more information about the immunisation schedule in Wales and when your child will be offered their vaccinations, visit the changes to the childhood immunisation schedule and routine immunisation schedules for Wales.

MMR vaccine – measles, mumps and rubella

From January 2026, the MMR vaccine is no longer part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme. 

However, the MMR vaccine is still available for older children and adults who have not had two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine and are not eligible for MMRV. 

If you have not had two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine, you are at risk of catching the diseases the vaccine helps protect against. Even if you think you have had MMR-containing vaccinations before but aren’t sure or have no record of this, it is safe to have further doses. 

You can catch up with missed MMR doses at any age. Contact your GP surgery as soon as possible to catch up on any missed MMR vaccinations.

How will I know when my child’s routine vaccinations are due?

For most routine vaccinations, your local health board will send you a letter when your child becomes eligible. Your child will then be invited to receive their vaccine at their GP surgery, or other vaccination setting. Before the appointment: Let your doctor or practice nurse know if your child has recently had any other vaccines. 

NHS Wales recommends vaccinating your child as soon as they are offered. If you think your child may have missed the invitation or appointment, contact your GP surgery. 

How do I find out my child’s vaccincation status?

Vaccination details are available in your child’s Red Book. 

Your local Health Board website will also have further details on how to find out your child’s vaccination status and how to book a vaccination if needed. 

Links to health boards MMR information pages are below:  

Aneurin Bevan

  • Blaenau Gwent 
  • Caerphilly 
  • Monmouthshire 
  • Newport 
  • Torfaen 

Betsi Cadwaladr

  • Anglesey 
  • Gwynedd 
  • Conwy 
  • Denbighshire 
  • Flintshire 
  • Wrexham   

Cardiff & Vale

  • Cardiff
  • Vale of Glamorgan 

Cwm Taf Morgannwg 

Hywel Dda

Powys 

  • Powys 

Swansea Bay

  • Swansea 
  • Neath Port Talbot 

Page last reviewed: 19th January 2026