MMRV programme: information for healthcare practitioners

Source: UK Health Security Agency Date: 2026-02-10 Category: Guidance Feed: ukhsa_official

Summary

The UK has launched a combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccination programme effective 1 January 2026 in England. This adds chickenpox protection to existing MMR coverage, representing a significant expansion of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Vaccination Schedule

Children receive the MMRV vaccine at two key timepoints:

12 months of age (first dose)
18 months of age (second dose)

Core Purpose

The programme “adds protection against chickenpox to the existing provision of protection against measles, mumps, and rubella,” addressing a vaccine-preventable disease that previously was not part of the routine UK immunisation schedule.

Key Resources for Healthcare Practitioners

Main guidance document — covers eligibility criteria, administration protocols, and safety information
Appendix A — eligibility tables in printable format for clinical reference
Training slideset — available for professional development and team education

Recent Updates (February 2026)

The guidance has been refined to address:

Ibuprofen use during vaccination
Managing immunisation for children with ongoing close contact to pregnant women
Catch-up cohort eligibility clarifications
IT system compatibility issues
Vaccination protocols for children with current infections

Implementation Notes

This guidance specifically applies to England
Targets healthcare professionals administering the new routine immunisation programme
Regular updates reflect real-world implementation challenges and clinical questions

Public Health Significance

The addition of varicella to the routine immunisation schedule represents a major policy shift, potentially reducing chickenpox burden in children and complications in vulnerable populations. Integration into the existing MMR schedule as MMRV aims to maintain high coverage while expanding protection.