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Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule - About the changes to the childhood immunisation schedule

The routine childhood immunisation (vaccination) schedule in Wales was updated in 2025 and 2026.

The changes offer children protection against chickenpox, and even better protection from diseases such as measles.  

Information:

You can view the routine childhood immunisation schedule for Wales on the Public Health Wales website at Routine immunisation schedules for Wales

Changes from Autumn 2026 to Spring 2028 

One-dose chickenpox vaccination programme for eligible children 

Children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022, are being offered one dose of a chickenpox vaccine.  

The chickenpox vaccine is a combined vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). The vaccine is called ‘MMRV’. 

Why is protection against chickenpox important? 

The reason this group of children is being offered this vaccination is to help protect them against chickenpox infection (also known as varicella).  

Chickenpox spreads very easily. While most children get better quickly, some can become very unwell. They may need hospital care. Vaccination helps protect children from chickenpox and its complications. 

Children who have not had chickenpox infection or two doses of a chickenpox vaccine, are at risk of getting the infection. The MMRV vaccine also helps stop chickenpox from spreading to other people. 

You can find more information about the one dose chickenpox vaccination programme at Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV and MMR) containing vaccines.

Changes from 1 January 2026 

18-month appointment:

  • On 1 January 2026, an additional vaccination appointment was added to the childhood immunisation schedule. This visit takes place when a baby is 18 months old. 
  • At this 18-month appointment, babies are given the MMRV vaccine (see ‘Which vaccines are given and when?’ section below). They also receive an additional dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine.  
  • The additional dose of 6-in-1 vaccine helps protect against Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b). Hib is a type of germ that can cause serious illnesses. These include meningitis (an infection around the brain) and pneumonia (a chest infection). In the past, protection against Hib was given as part of the Hib/MenC vaccine. 

Which vaccines are given and when?  

On 1 January 2026, the MMRV vaccine was introduced to the routine childhood immunisation schedule. MMRV helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). 

The MMRV vaccine is given to babies free of charge by the NHS as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. MMRV has been used successfully in other countries for many years.  

  • The first dose is given to babies when they are 12 months old.  
  • The second dose is given when they are 18 months old.  

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is still used for some older children or adults. This is for people who missed one or both doses of an MMR-containing vaccine, or who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine.   

It is important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best possible protection. You can learn more about the MMRV vaccine at MMRV and MMR vaccines. 

Information:

Your practice nurse or GP will confirm your child’s eligibility. It is important they have their vaccines as soon as they are offered.

See the complete immunisation schedule for Wales. 

Vaccines for school-age children and young people 

You can find information and resources about vaccines for school-age children and young people. 

Page last reviewed: 20th January 2026