Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule - About the changes to the childhood immunisation schedule

The routine childhood immunisation (vaccination) schedule in Wales is being updated.

This change offers children protection against chickenpox, and even better protection from diseases such as measles. 

What are the changes in 2026?

18-month appointment:

From 1 January 2026 a new vaccination appointment is added to the childhood immunisation schedule in Wales at 18 months of age. 
At this 18-month appointment, babies get the MMRV vaccine (see ‘Introduction of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine’ below) and an additional dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine.
The additional dose of 6-in-1 vaccine is given at this new 18-month appointment to provide Hib protection that was previously given with Hib/MenC).

Introduction of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

From 1 January 2026, a new vaccine called MMRV is introduced to the routine childhood immunisation schedule to help protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella) infection.

The MMRV vaccine is given to babies free of charge by the NHS as part their routine childhood vaccinations. MMRV has been used successfully in other countries for many years.

The first dose is given to babies when they are 12 months old.
The second dose is given when they are 18 months old.

The MMRV vaccine is also given to some eligible children depending on your child’s age and if they’ve had chickenpox infection or the chickenpox vaccine in the past.

The MMR vaccine is still available for some older children or adults who have missed one or both doses of an MMR-containing vaccine, or who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine.

It is important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best possible protection. You can learn more about the MMRV vaccine at MMRV and MMR vaccines.

Chickenpox catch-up programme

There is a chickenpox catch-up programme for eligible children aged between 3 years 4 months to just under 6 years. This programme offers one dose of the MMRV vaccine and runs between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2028. It is for children who have not had a chickenpox infection or two doses of chickenpox vaccine in the past.

For answers to common questions, see the Frequently asked questions about the changes section below.

Which vaccines are given and when?

As the immunisation schedule is changing, there will be a short period of adjustment. What your child is due will depend on how old they are on 1 January 2026, when the new programme starts.

The vaccination eligibility guide provides information on which vaccines are given to children and when. Your practice nurse or GP will confirm your child’s eligibility. It is important they have their vaccines as soon as they are offered.

See the complete immunisation schedule for Wales.

The vaccination eligibility guide:

Your child is 12 months old or younger on 1 January 2026

Age	Vaccination schedule
8 weeks	6-in-1 MenB Rotavirus
12 weeks	6-in-1 MenB Rotavirus
16 weeks	6-in-1 PCV
12 months	MMRV PCV MenB
18 months (new appointment)	MMRV 6-in-1
3 years 4 months	4-in-1

Your child is over 12 months up to 18 months old on 1 January 2026

If your child has already had their 12-month vaccinations, including MMR, they are given:

Age	Vaccination schedule
18 months (New appointment)	MMRV 6-in-1
3 years 4 months	MMRV 4-in-1
Receiving 3 doses of an MMR-containing vaccine is safe.

If your child had their 16-week vaccines, but has NOT had their 12-month vaccines, speak to your practice nurse or GP.

Your child is over 18 months up to 3 years 4 months old on 1 January 2026

If your child is up to date with their vaccines, and have had the MMR vaccine at their 12-month appointment, they are given:

Age	Vaccination schedule
3 years 4 months	MMRV 4-in-1
Please note, this age group are not eligible for the 18-month appointment.

Your child is over 3 years 4 months to just under 6 years old on 1 January 2026

Your child will be offered the MMRV vaccine as part of a chickenpox catch-up programme, if they:

are up to date with their vaccines, including MMR at 12 months and 3 years 4 months, but
have not had chickenpox infection or the chickenpox vaccine.

Your child will receive a letter inviting them to get their vaccination.

If your child has NOT had their 3 year 4-month vaccines, speak to your practice nurse or GP.

Your child is 6 years old and above on 1 January 2026

Children born on or before 31 December 2019 are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine.

Vaccines for school-age children and young people

You can find information and resources about vaccines for school-age children and young people.

Frequently asked questions about the changes

Do I need to give my baby paracetamol after their 16 weeks vaccinations?

For information about giving paracetamol to your baby after their MenB vaccination, please visit the meningococcal group B (MenB) page.

For further information, including paracetamol doses, please see these leaflets:

Is it OK for my child to have the Hib vaccine at 18 months when it was previously given at 12 months?

Studies have shown that moving the Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) dose to 18 months leads to better long-term protection. This is because stronger immune responses to the vaccine are seen in the older age group.

Page last reviewed: 20th January 2026