Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV and MMR) containing vaccines
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About the MMRV and MMR vaccines
Changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule in 2026
For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own, but for some, it can be very serious. The risk of serious illness from chickenpox is much higher than people used to think. Some people may need to be treated in hospital if they get problems from the infection.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chickenpox leads to over 4 million hospital stays. It also causes more than 4,000 deaths around the world each year.
On 1 January 2026 the chickenpox vaccine was introduced into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales. This change aims to prevent serious illness and help save lives. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) gives advice to the UK government. The decision was made after advice from JCVI. The recommendation is based on the success of chickenpox vaccination programmes in other countries
The chickenpox vaccine is a combined vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). The vaccine is called ‘MMRV’.
On 1 January 2026, MMRV replaced the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales. The MMR vaccine is still available for some people who need it. This includes older children and adults who have not had two doses, and who are not eligible for MMRV.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect against serious illnesses.
Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (also known as varicella) spread very easily between people who haven’t been vaccinated. These diseases are usually mild but can sometimes cause serious health problems.
Information:
Vaccination is important.
For those who have not had a vaccine containing MMR, these diseases remain a threat to their health.
It is important to get vaccinated to stop these diseases.
There are two options for protection:
The measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, or
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
What do MMRV and MMR vaccines help protect against?
MMRV vaccine – measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)
When should my child have the MMRV vaccine?
The MMRV vaccine is offered free of charge by the NHS as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.
From 1 January 2026:
Babies aged 12 months or younger on 1 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.
Some older children may be offered an MMRV vaccination as part of a selective 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.
If your child is not eligible, they cannot receive the MMRV vaccine as part of the NHS routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales.
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.
It is important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best, long-lasting protection against infection.
If you have any questions, speak to your practice nurse or GP.
They will explain which vaccine is needed and how many doses your child should have.
For more information about the immunisation schedule in Wales and when your child will be offered their vaccinations, visit:
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 are not 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.
For more information about the MMR vaccine see the About the vaccines section.
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.
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:
MMR-containing vaccines are usually given as one injection into the thigh or upper arm. It is important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best possible protection. Having both doses gives long lasting protection against infection.
After the first dose the body’s immune system learns to recognise the viruses and start building protection. The second dose boosts that protection, making it much stronger and long-lasting.
That’s why getting two doses is important to keep you and those you care about safe.
MMR-containing vaccines are very effective at protecting people from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. For example, figures show that at least 95% of people who get both doses of are protected from measles, rubella and chickenpox, and about 88% are protected from mumps. Effectiveness increases after the second dose of the vaccine.
If you would like to learn more about these vaccines, you can read these patient leaflets at the links below.
MMRV vaccine
MMRV has been used for many years in other countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand. In other countries, giving the MMRV vaccine led to a drop in cases of chickenpox in children.
Since the chickenpox vaccination programme was introduced in 1995, chickenpox vaccinations in the United States reduced cases by 97%
Since MMR was introduced in 1988, measles, mumps and rubella have become rare in the UK. But sometimes outbreaks happen, especially of measles, when not enough people get vaccinated.
Rubella can be a very serious infection for unborn babies. If you had two doses of the MMR-containing vaccine you will be protected during your pregnancy.
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, are pregnant, or have just had a baby and are not sure if you’ve had two doses of the MMR-containing vaccine, speak to your midwife or GP.
As the MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, it is not advised when you are pregnant. You should avoid getting pregnant for one month after having MMR vaccination.
If you are pregnant and not up to date with the MMR vaccine, you should have the vaccine soon after your baby is born.
Breastfeeding
Having the MMR vaccine when you are breastfeeding will not harm you or your baby. However, if you are breastfeeding and have any questions, you can ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice before you have the vaccination.
If you are travelling, or have just moved to the UK
If you have moved to live in the UK, you may need two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine and other routine vaccinations. Different countries offer different vaccinations, and not all may have used a combined MMR-containing vaccine.
If you are travelling to an area that is known to have had outbreaks of measles, mumps or rubella, you should have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine before you travel. Your child may be able to be vaccinated earlier than normal if they are travelling to high-risk areas.
If you have any questions, or you are not sure if you have had your vaccinations, discuss this with your GP or nurse.
If you need vaccinations for work
If you work in healthcare, it’s important to be protected against illnesses like measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can be passed on to patients who are more likely to get seriously ill. Healthcare workers may need the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and to help keep their patients safe.
Are there any reasons why MMRV or MMR should not be given?
MMR-containing vaccines (MMRV or MMR) should not be given to anyone who has had a serious (life-threatening) reaction to:
a previous dose of the same vaccine, or
any ingredient in the vaccine.
Speak to the person giving the vaccine if you or your child has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients in the past.
MMR-containing vaccines should not be given to anyone who:
is pregnant,
has a weakened immune system (are immunosuppressed) due to treatment or a disease, or
has an illness with a high fever.
If you or your child is unwell with a high temperature (fever) above 38.5 C, it is better to wait until you or they have recovered to have the vaccine. If you cannot go to your vaccination appointment, please cancel and make a new appointment as soon as possible. A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay the vaccine.
Before having an MMR-containing vaccine, you should tell the GP or practice nurse if you or your child:
has ever had fits (also called seizures), or if anyone in your family has had them, including fits caused by a fever.
You should tell the GP or practice nurse if you are pregnant.
If unwell, should I or my child have the vaccine?
It is best to wait until you/your child is better to have the vaccine, but it is important to have it as soon as possible. If unable attend the vaccination appointment, please cancel and rearrange the appointment.
A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay having the vaccine. If in doubt, discuss this with the person giving the vaccination.
Is there pork gelatine in the MMRV and MMR vaccines?
Some people do not accept pork gelatine because of their faith. In Wales, there are options for MMRV and MMR vaccines that don’t contain pork gelatine.
MMRV vaccine
The MMRV vaccines offered in Wales are called ProQuad® and Priorix-Tetra®. ProQuad® contains pork gelatine. If you do not want your child to have ProQuad®, there is another option called Priorix-Tetra® that does not contain pork gelatine.
MMR vaccine
For those who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine, two MMR vaccines are currently available in Wales. MMRvaxPro® contains pork gelatine, and Priorix® does not contain pork gelatine.
If you or your child needs a vaccine that doesn’t contain pork gelatine, contact your health visitor, practice nurse, or GP surgery. They can help you find the rightoption.
What are the side effects of MMR-containing vaccines?
The MMR-containing vaccines (MMRV and MMR) have weakened types of live viruses. All medicines and vaccines have passed strict safety standards for use in the UK and are very safe. As with all medicines and vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed.
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and may last a day or two. Side effects are usually less common after the second dose.
The most common side effects include:
soreness, redness and swelling or bruising at the site of the injection
a fever
rash, and
irritability
See ‘What should I do if my child or I feel unwell after the vaccination?’ for how to treat symptoms of a fever.
The weakened viruses in the MMR-containing vaccines can act at different times. Side effects such as a fever and a rash are more common after the first dose. These can occur:
About 6 – 11 days after the vaccine (from the measles part)
About 2 – 3 weeks after the vaccine (from the mumps and rubella parts)
About 3 – 4 weeks after the vaccine (from the chickenpox part)
A small chickenpox rash may appear near the injection site after the MMRV vaccine. Children can still go to school or childcare, but any spots should be covered as a precaution.
Very rare side effects
Very rarely, children may develop a widespread chickenpox-like rash. If this happens, anyone with a weakened immune system who has had close contact with the child should get medical advice.
Fits (seizures) can happen when a child develops a high temperature caused by any common childhood illness, such as chickenpox. These usually do not last long and do not cause long-term health problems. After the first dose of the MMRV vaccine, children may have a brief fit caused by a fever. This is rare and happens in around one in 1,000 children. These fits are not usually harmful but need medical attention. For comparison, around one in 43 children who catch measles will have fits caused by a fever.
Swelling in the brain (encephalitis) has been reported extremely rarely after the MMRV vaccination (less than one child in a million). However, if a child who has not been vaccinated catches measles or chickenpox, the chance of having encephalitis is much higher.
Get medical help immediately if your child has had any of the following symptoms:
Fits (seizures)
Fainting
Reduced alertness
Loss of body control, along with a fever and headache
If you seek medical help, let them know that your child has had the MMRV vaccine.
Rarely, people can have a severe reaction soon after the vaccination, which causes breathing difficulties and may cause them to collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and it can also happen with other medicines and food. These reactions are extremely rare, affecting less than one in a million people. Staff who give vaccinations are trained to manage these reactions.
People who have an anaphylactic reaction can be successfully treated and usually recover within a few hours.
For most people, the benefits of getting vaccinated are much greater than the risks of being unprotected.
Find out more about side effects
All side effects are included in the patient information leaflet for the vaccine. For more information on side effects, go to:
If you have any questions about side effects, you can ask the person giving you the vaccine.
If symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, Trust your instincts – get medical help immediately. Call NHS 111 Wales on 111 or your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at Yellow Card, by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
During and after your appointment
What happens at the appointment?
Your GP or nurse will explain about the vaccination and answer any questions you have.
The vaccine is usually given as an injection into the thigh of young children or the upper arm of older children and adults.
Write down any questions you have and ask the health professional at the vaccination appointment.
You should cancel an appointment beforehand if you can’t make it. If you do miss the appointment or have to delay the vaccination, make a new appointment as soon as possible.
If you or your child has missed any MMR-containing vaccinations, it’s important to catch up as soon as possible. Talk to your GP or practice nurse.
What should I do if my child or I feel unwell after the vaccination?
If you or your child has a fever and feels unwell after the vaccination, you can take paracetamol. You should:
read the instructions carefully, and
take the correct dose for your or your child’s age.
We don’t recommend taking paracetamol before the vaccination to prevent a fever.
Remember – children under 16 should not take medicines that contain aspirin.
If you have any concerns about yourself or your child after the vaccination, contact your health visitor, GP, or practice nurse for advice and support.
Is it possible to get measles, mumps, rubella or chickenpox after being vaccinated?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of these diseases, even if you or your child are vaccinated. For more information about measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, visit one of the following websites:
Is there a link between MMR-containing vaccines and autism?
You should not worry about this. There is no evidence of a link between MMR-containing vaccines and autism.
The National Autistic Society says “there is no link between autism and vaccines”. There are many studies that have investigated this. The University of Oxford Vaccine Knowledge has a website of MMR studies for you to look at.
My child has already had a chickenpox infection. Can they have the MMR vaccine instead of MMRV as part of the routine vaccination programme?
If your child is due the MMRV vaccine as part of the routine vaccination programme, this is the vaccine they should have.
Even if your child has already had a chickenpox infection (or any of the other illnesses the vaccine protects against), it is safe for them to have the MMRV vaccine.
If your child has recently had chickenpox but is now well and fully recovered, they can still safely receive the MMRV vaccine.
If you have any questions, contact your GP surgery for advice.
Can I choose the MMR vaccine instead of MMRV for my child?
From 1 January 2026, the MMRV vaccine replaces the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule for Wales.
Children are routinely offered the MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age. Parents will not be able to choose between MMR and MMRV.
While these changes are being introduced, some children will also be offered the MMRV vaccine at their routine vaccination appointment at 3 years and 4 months of age.
If you have any questions, speak to your practice nurse, GP or health visitor.
Is it safe for my child to have three MMR-containing vaccine doses (MMRV and/or MMR)?
Yes, it is safe for your child to have three MMR-containing vaccine doses. The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). The MMRV vaccine also helps protect against chickenpox (varicella).
If you have any questions, speak to your practice nurse, GP or health visitor.
What should I do if my child gets a rash after the MMRV vaccination?
The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. It contains weakened versions of these viruses. These weakened viruses help your child’s body build protection without causing the diseases.
A measles-type rash can occur after vaccination, but this has not been shown to spread to others.
Some children may get a chickenpox-like rash where the MMRV injection was given. Children can still go to school or childcare, but the rash should be covered with clothing.
Very rarely, a chickenpox-like rash may appear elsewhere on the body away from the injection site. If this occurs, it is more likely to be caused by natural chickenpox infection. Children with a rash of this type should be seen by their GP.
If you have any questions, speak to your practice nurse, GP or health visitor.
Is there a link between MMR-containing vaccines and autism?
You should not worry about this. There is no evidence of a link between MMR-containing vaccines and autism.
The National Autistic Society says “there is no link between autism and vaccines”. There are many studies that have investigated this. The University of Oxford Vaccine Knowledge (external site) has a website of MMR studies for you to look at.
The medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have stated that that there is no evidence that vaccines cause autism in children:
