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MMR & MMRV Vaccinations 

Changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule in 2026

For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own, but for some, it can be very serious. The risk of serious illness from chickenpox is much higher than people used to think. Some people may need to be treated in hospital if they get problems from the infection. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chickenpox leads to over 4 million hospital stays and more than 4,000 deaths around the world each year. 

From 1 January 2026 Wales is introducing the chickenpox vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule. This is to help stop serious illness and save lives. The decision was made after advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the UK government. The recommendation is based on the success of chickenpox vaccination programmes in other countries. 

The chickenpox vaccine is a combined vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). It is called the MMRV vaccine. From January 2026, MMRV replaces the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales. The MMR vaccine is still available for some people who need it. This includes older children and adults who have not had two doses, and who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine. 

For more information about the reasons for the change, please visit:  Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule 

 

The MMR vaccine is the safest, most effective way to help protect against measles, mumps and rubella (also known as German measles). Since it was introduced in 1988, these diseases have become rare in the UK. But sometimes outbreaks happen (especially measles outbreaks), when not enough people get vaccinated. 

Measles, mumps and rubella are diseases which spread easily between people who haven’t had the vaccine. These diseases are usually mild, but can sometimes cause serious problems, including:  

  • meningitis (external link) (infection of the protective layer around the brain) 
  • encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and  
  • hearing loss.  

Although children are offered routine vaccinations against Measles, adults who have not been vaccinated can also be at risk of catching Measles.

 

Checking your MMR vaccination status and booking a vaccine appointment 

Anyone who hasn’t had their MMR vaccine can book an appointment or check their MMR vaccination status by calling their GP or walking into our Vaccination Centre, more information on where you can get your vaccine can be found here: Vaccination Pop-up Clinics - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

"Measles is a very serious illness and the best form of protection is through vaccination. We would urge people to attend for a vaccine if they haven’t had one. This is important for individual health and preventing transmission across our communities.

 

Changes to the vaccine schedule

From 1 January 2026, children will have their second MMRV vaccination appointment earlier, at a new 18-month appointment. This vaccine was previously given at 3 years 4 months.  

Having the second MMRV dose earlier has been shown to protect more children sooner. 

Find out more by clicking the link below: Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule 

 

A message from Prof Tracy Daszkiewicz, Director of Public Health for Gwent 

 “Measles is very serious and can be fatal. It can make children very sick and lead to further complications which could result in hospitalisation. The best form of protection is the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. We are calling on all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their 2 MMR doses.”

Our local data shows a 94.7%* uptake for the first MMR vaccine however, only 88.4% have gone on to have their second dose. It is important that all children have the full course of the MMR vaccine to ensure they are protected from serious illness.

It is never too late to catch up on the MMR vaccine whether you are a child or an adult. I would urge people to have the MMR vaccine, this is important for individual health and preventing transmission across our communities”.

Gwent residents can walk in to our Vaccination Centre to get their vaccination, call their GP or contact our School Nursing team.

 
Recognising Measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, (e.g. a high temperature a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough or red, sore, watery eyes) followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small white spots in their mouth.

If you suspect your child may have Measles please remain home and call your GP for an urgent appointment or call 111.

For further information on Measles please visit: 111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/m/article/measles/