The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced some important changes to the childhood vaccination schedule. These changes are designed to give children protection earlier, simplify appointments, and keep the programme up to date.
What’s Changing?
What’s New from July 2025 (for babies born on or after 1 July 2024):
- MenB (Meningitis B) – 2nd dose now given at 12 weeks instead of 16 weeks.
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal) – 1st dose moved to 16 weeks instead of 12 weeks.
- The Hib/MenC vaccine at 12 months is no longer required.
- The single Hepatitis B vaccine at 12 months (for some babies) has also been removed.
Starting January 2026:
- New 18-month appointment will include:
- Hexavalent booster (protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B)
- Second MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) dose—now moved earlier from 3 years 4 months.
At 3 Years 4 Months:
- Children will normally attend a pre-school booster appointment:
- The 4-in-1 booster (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio) is given.
- Second MMR dose will be offered here only if it was missed at 18 months.
Looking Ahead
From January 2026, the NHS also plans to introduce a chickenpox vaccine as part of the routine childhood programme. This will be offered as a combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) at 12 months and 18 months.
New Vaccination Schedule at a Glance
| Age | Vaccines Due |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 6-in-1 (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB), Rotavirus (oral), MenB (1st dose) |
| 12 weeks | 6-in-1 (2nd dose), Rotavirus (2nd), MenB (2nd dose) |
| 16 weeks | 6-in-1 (3rd dose), PCV13 (1st dose) |
| Around 1 year | MMR (1st dose), PCV13 booster, MenB (3rd dose) |
| 18 months | From Jan 2026: Hexavalent booster, MMR (2nd dose) |
| 3 years 4 months | 4-in-1 pre-school booster; second MMR if not given earlier |
Why It Matters to Your Family
- Earlier protection! Moving MenB earlier helps keep babies safer sooner.
- Spread out visits: Adjustments to PCV13 timing help reduce injection burden at younger appointments.
- Simplified care: The new 18-month visit combines important vaccines in one convenient appointment.
- Flexible schedules: If your child misses the 18-month MMR, we’ll ensure it’s caught up at the pre-school booster visit.
If you have any questions regarding the new schedule, you can always contact the practice to book a telephone appointment with our Nurse or GP or enquire from online forms.