Annex E – Programme Changes to Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule (2025/26)
Overview

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.
Key Changes to the Childhood Immunisation Programme
Cessation of Hib/MenC 12-month Dose

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.
MMR Programme Schedule Change and Catch-Up

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:
- 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.
- 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.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Introduction and Catch-Up (subject to final policy decision)

Effective from: 1 January 2026
Routine MMRV introduction:
- Children turning 12 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive two doses of MMRV at 12 and 18 months.
- 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):
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Next Steps & Deadlines
- 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.
- 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.