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Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV and MMR) containing vaccines - MMRV and MMR vaccine information for health professionals

Introduction of a routine varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme for babies and young children.

Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus that occurs most commonly in young children. Varicella typically presents with an itchy, blistering rash, preceded by fever and malaise. Most cases in children are mild and self-limiting. However, some children develop complications, including bacterial infection of skin lesions (including group A streptococcus) and in rare cases, encephalitis, pneumonitis and stroke. These complications can result in hospitalisation and very rarely may result in death. 

The true extent of hospitalisations caused by varicella is underestimated through routine data sources due to errors in coding. Many admissions are due to secondary complications, which are not recorded as a hospital admission related to varicella. Additional, less understood complications, may also be missed in current data. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an expert scientific advisory committee which advises the UK government on vaccination and immunisation matters. JCVI reviewed evidence from international varicella programme data, cost-effectiveness modelling, and disease burden in the UK. They have recommended the introduction of a routine varicella vaccination programme in the UK commencing 1 January 2026. The vaccine used is MMRV, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).  

There is a selective MMRV catch-up programme for older children to help accelerate control and to further reduce transmission in the population. Children will be invited and encouraged to attend if they have not yet had chickenpox vaccine or disease.

As has been shown in other countries which include varicella in their routine vaccination schedule, a two-dose MMRV schedule is predicted to significantly decrease the number of cases of varicella infection seen in childhood. The programme will prevent severe cases, and other serious varicella-related complications, which while rare, may have otherwise resulted in hospitalisation or other serious outcomes. 

  • The MMRV vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. 
  • The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. 

From 1 January 2026 the MMRV vaccine replaces the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales.

When to give the vaccines?

From 1 January 2026: 

Routine vaccinations 

  • The first dose of MMRV is given to babies at 12 months and the second dose at 18 months. 
  • The 18-month visit is a new vaccination appointment. During this visit, a fourth dose of the multivalent 6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, and hepatitis B) is also given. 

Chickenpox catch-up vaccinations for eligible children 

There is a selective MMRV catch-up programme for older children aged over 3 years and 4 months to under 6 years old on 1 January 2026 (Date of Birth: 1 January 2020 – 31 August 2022) to help accelerate control and to further reduce transmission of chickenpox in the population. This programme will be delivered between 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2028.

Non-routine vaccinations

The MMR vaccine is no longer available for the NHS routine childhood programme from 1 January 2026. 

The MMR vaccine is still available for administration outside of the routine childhood programme for people who need it. This includes older children and adults who have not received two doses of MMR and are not eligible for MMRV. 

The diseases 

Measles, mumps and rubella are notifiable diseases in Wales.  

The vaccines  

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

The MMRV vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine that helps protect against four serious diseases measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. The vaccine contains live attenuated measles, mumps, rubella and varicella viruses. 

MMRV has been used in other countries including the USA, Canada, Australia and Germany for many years. Countries that have implemented varicella vaccination programmes have reported a significant decline in varicella cases and associated hospitalisations. 

MMRV vaccine summary of product characteristics  

The NHS routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales programme uses two MMRV vaccines: 

The vaccines are considered clinically equivalent and interchangeable, although Priorix-Tetra® may be preferred for children who do not accept pork gelatine. 

Priorix-Tetra® will remain available for customers serving communities that do not accept vaccines containing pork gelatine. Ordering of Priorix-Tetra® via ImmForm may be subject to a cap, however, an option to request an increase will be provided. 

A ‘varicella-only’ vaccine is not offered in the NHS routine or selective programmes. 

MMR vaccine – measles, mumps and rubella  

The MMR vaccine is a well-established, safe and effective combined vaccine that helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella. It is a live preparation of freeze-dried live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella.  

The MMR vaccine is highly effective and has an excellent safety record. Since it 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.  

MMR vaccine summary of product characteristics  

Two MMR vaccines are currently used in the UK. These are called MMRvaxPro® and Priorix®. MMRvaxPro® contains pork gelatine. Priorix® does not contain gelatine.   

Guidance in the Green Book supersedes the summary of product characteristics (SmPC).  

More information about the MMR-containing vaccines can be found in the Green Book chapters for each disease. See Clinical resources and information section.  

All healthcare professionals should make every contact count and take advantage of existing opportunities to check vaccination status and administer or arrange MMR-containing vaccinations for:  

  • all children and young adults who have not been vaccinated 
  • new entrants to the UK at General Practice registration consultation and immigration assessments  
  • postnatal women through health visiting assessments and six-week maternal checks  
  • women accessing preconception or fertility services.  
  • MMR should be used to protect women of childbearing age and healthcare workers against rubella infection.  

Reporting side effects of MMR-containing vaccines 

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. You should report suspected adverse reactions of vaccines and medicines online, by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). 

Frequently asked questions 

MMRV programme: information for healthcare practitioners

Guidance

For details about changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule please see:  

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance 

 Welsh Health Circulars and Welsh Government letters 

Public Health Wales guidance 

Policy and guidance can also be found on the Public Health Wales Policy, letters and Welsh Government SharePoint page (access for NHS healthcare staff)  

 The Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule includes information about routine and non-routine vaccinations.  

Training resources and events 

Public Health Wales has produced healthcare professionals awareness raising sessions 

on the MMRV vaccine and measles: 

  • Recorded slide sets  
  • Webinars 
  • Training slides 

These can be accessed via the E-learning page and the Training Resources and Events page. 

Clinical resources and information

Measles resources

Mumps resources

Rubella resources

Varicella (chickenpox) resources 

MMR vaccine resources 

MMR prison resources

Patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols

PGD templates for vaccines can be found on the patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols website.

Further clinical resources and information

School age catch up vaccination programme

Data and surveillance

Page last reviewed: 20th January 2026