MMRV Vaccination Programme Update

Published: Monday, 9 March 2026

On 1 January 2026, a chickenpox (known clinically as ‘varicella’) vaccination was introduced into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme using a measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. 

Dose 1 will be offered at one year of age and dose 2 will be brought forward from 3 years 4 months to the new 18-month appointment. There will be a single dose selective MMRV catch-up programme for older children.

There are two UKHSA blogs to support in answering any questions people may have: What is the MMRV vaccine and is my child eligible? & Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule from January 2026.

To support stakeholders with communicating this vaccine, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England (NHSE) have created a stakeholder communications toolkit providing background information, key messages aimed at parents and carers, social media assets with suggested copy, links to health publications, frequently asked questions, and other useful information.