MMRV VACCINE
MMRV Vaccine Explained: Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Chickenpox
From January 2026, a new vaccine called MMRV will be offered to children in the UK. It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in one jab.
This helps stop serious illness, hospital visits, and missed school days. It’s already used safely in countries like Canada, Germany and Australia.
Who can get it?
The number of doses and timings depends on when children were born.
Born on or after 1 Jan 2025:
- Dose 1: 12 months
- Dose 2: 18 months
Born 1 July 2024 – 31 Dec 2024:
- Had MMR at 12 months
- Offered MMRV at 18 months and again at 3 years 4 months
Born 1 Sept 2022 – 30 June 2024:
- Had MMR at 12 months
- One MMRV dose at 3 years 4 months
Children who already had chickenpox can still get MMRV.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. All vaccines have to pass safety tests before use. The MMRV vaccine has been used safely for more than 10 years in other countries.
Like all vaccines, there can be mild side effects such as:
- a sore arm
- a fever
- a mild rash
These usually go away quickly. If you’re worried about reactions, speak to your GP, practice nurse or health visitor.
More information
What is the Difference Between the MMR and MMRV Vaccines?
- MMR vaccine: Has been used in the UK since 1988 to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella.
- MMRV vaccine: Includes everything in the MMR vaccine plus protection against chickenpox. This makes it a four-in-one (quadrivalent) vaccine instead of the three-in-one (trivalent) MMR.
Can My Child Get the MMR Vaccine on the NHS?
From January 2026, children are offered the MMRV vaccine instead of the MMR vaccine as part of the NHS routine programme. This means:
- Children following the standard NHS schedule will no longer receive MMR on its own.
- The MMR vaccine is still available in some cases, for example:
- Older children who missed their MMR doses
- Adults who never had their full MMR course
Where Can I Get the MMR Vaccine Instead of the MMRV Vaccine for my Child?
If you would prefer your child to have the MMR and chickenpox vaccines separately, this is not available through our surgery. The MMR vaccine would need to be arranged privately through a private GP clinic or travel clinic.
