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

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:

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.

 

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

📅 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.

 


Next Steps & Deadlines

🗓 1 July 2025 – Cessation of Hib/MenC 12-month dose.

🗓 1 January 2026New 18-month immunisation visit begins.

🗓 31 October 2026Deadline for MMR brought-forward appointments.

🗓 31 March 2027Deadline for MMRV catch-up programme for children under 11.

🗓 1 April 2027Opportunistic 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.

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