Annex E details the changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule, with updates effective from 1 July 2025 and 1 January 2026. These changes introduce a new 18-month vaccination appointment, adjustments to the Hib/MenC, MMR, and Varicella schedules, and a catch-up programme for older children.
📅 Effective from: 1 July 2025
· Children turning 12 months on or before 30 June 2025 will remain eligible for Menitorix® until stock depletion. If unavailable, the infant should receive a Hexavalent vaccine (to replace the 12-month Hib dose).
· Children turning 12 months on or after 1 July 2025 will no longer be offered a 12-month Hib/MenC vaccine but instead will receive a Hexavalent vaccine at a new 18-month appointment.
· This new 18-month visit starts from 1 January 2026.
· Hep B at-risk babies will require a DBS test recorded between 12 and 18 months.
Action Points:
· Ensure recall systems are updated for the new 18-month appointment.
· Train staff on changes to vaccine scheduling.
· Monitor vaccine stock and order accordingly.
📅 Effective from: 1 January 2026
· Children turning 18 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive their 2nd MMR dose at the new 18-month appointment.
· Catch-up programme:
o Children aged 18 months to 2 years 6 months on 1 January 2026 will be invited to a brought-forward appointment for their 2nd MMR dose between 1 January 2026 and 31 October 2026.
o Children aged 2 years 7 months to 3 years 4 months on 1 January 2026 will receive their 2nd MMR dose at their existing 3 years 4 months appointment before 31 October 2026.
Action Points:
· Identify eligible children and ensure timely invitations.
· Update EMIS/SystmOne/Medicus recall templates.
· Educate parents about the schedule change.
📅 Effective from: 1 January 2026
· Routine MMRV introduction:
o Children turning 12 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive two doses of MMRV at 12 and 18 months.
o Children turning 18 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive one dose of MMRV to complete their two-dose MMR schedule.
· Catch-up for children aged 18 months to 3 years 4 months (as of 1 January 2026):
o 18 months to 2 years 6 months: Invited for a brought-forward appointment to receive 2nd MMR dose (MMRV) between 1 January 2026 and 31 October 2026.
o 2 years 7 months to 3 years 4 months: Receive 2nd MMR dose (MMRV) at their scheduled 3 years 4 months appointment before 31 October 2026.
· Catch-up for older children:
o 3 years 4 months to <6 years: Invited for a universal single catch-up dose of MMRV between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2027.
o 6 years to <11 years: Invited for a single dose of MMRV if they have no history of chickenpox, scheduled between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2027.
o From 1 April 2027, an opportunistic or on-request offer of varicella (as a single dose of MMRV) will be available for children aged 3 years 4 months to <11 years before 1 January 2026, who have no history of chickenpox.
Action Points:
· Ensure vaccination schedules reflect new timing.
· Communicate changes to parents and guardians.
· Train staff on new Varicella guidelines.
🗓 1 July 2025 – Cessation of Hib/MenC 12-month dose.
🗓 1 January 2026 – New 18-month immunisation visit begins.
🗓 31 October 2026 – Deadline for MMR brought-forward appointments.
🗓 31 March 2027 – Deadline for MMRV catch-up programme for children under 11.
🗓 1 April 2027 – Opportunistic varicella offer begins.
Immediate Actions:
· Update digital recall systems (EMIS, SystmOne, Medicus) with new appointment schedules.
· Ensure cold chain supply and stock management are aligned with new vaccine timings.
· Educate parents about the schedule changes and importance of completing the full course.