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

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

Overview

Notes
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

Info
Effective from: 1 July 2025

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. This new 18-month visit starts from 1 January 2026.
  4. Hep B at-risk babies will require a DBS test recorded between 12 and 18 months.

Action Points:

  1. Ensure recall systems are updated for the new 18-month appointment.
  2. Train staff on changes to vaccine scheduling.
  3. Monitor vaccine stock and order accordingly.

MMR Programme Schedule Change and Catch-Up

Info
Effective from: 1 January 2026

  1. Children turning 18 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive their 2nd MMR dose at the new 18-month appointment.
  2. Catch-up programme:
    1. 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.
    2. 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:

  1. Identify eligible children and ensure timely invitations.
  2. Update EMIS/SystmOne/Medicus recall templates.
  3. Educate parents about the schedule change.

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

Info
Effective from: 1 January 2026

Routine MMRV introduction:

  1. Children turning 12 months on or after 1 January 2026 will receive two doses of MMRV at 12 and 18 months.
  2. 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):

  1. 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. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Ensure vaccination schedules reflect new timing.
  2. Communicate changes to parents and guardians.
  3. Train staff on new Varicella guidelines.

Next Steps & Deadlines

  1. 1 July 2025 – Cessation of Hib/MenC 12-month dose.
  2. 1 January 2026 – New 18-month immunisation visit begins.
  3. 31 October 2026 – Deadline for MMR brought-forward appointments.
  4. 31 March 2027 – Deadline for MMRV catch-up programme for children under 11.
  5. 1 April 2027 – Opportunistic varicella offer begins.

Immediate Actions:

  1. Update digital recall systems (EMIS, SystmOne, Medicus) with new appointment schedules.
  2. Ensure cold chain supply and stock management are aligned with new vaccine timings.
  3. Educate parents about the schedule changes and importance of completing the full course.