MMRV vaccine

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 see the sections below on this page, or visit:  

Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule 

MMRV Vaccine

Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (also known as varicella) spread very easily between people who haven’t been vaccinated. These diseases are usually mild but can sometimes cause serious health problems.

Measles

Measles is caused by a virus. It can spread easily through the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus. Measles can lead to serious illness. It can sometimes be very dangerous, and people can die from it. 

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases. Even a small drop in the number of people getting the vaccine can lead to an increase in measles cases. In recent years there has been a rise in measles cases in Wales. It’s important to have both doses of a measles-containing vaccine to help prevent further outbreaks.  

Nearly everyone who catches measles will have a rash, a high temperature (fever) and feel very unwell. One in every 15 people gets complications, including infection of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain swelling (encephalitis). 

A rash usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms. Small white spots in the mouth may also appear. People can be infectious for a few days before and after the rash appears. 

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that spreads easily. Mumps can lead to serious problems such as meningitis (an infection of the protective covering around the brain) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Very rarely, mumps can cause death. 

Mumps is spread through infected droplets of saliva that can be inhaled or picked up from surfaces and transferred into the mouth or nose.  

Some people with mumps do not show any symptoms, but they can still spread the disease to others. Common symptoms of mumps include painful swelling of two large glands on the side of the face, and a fever. 

Rubella

Rubella (also known as German measles) is a rare illness caused by a virus. It is spread through coughs and sneezes.  

Symptoms can take two to three weeks to develop. People can pass the disease to others before they even know they have it. The main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body. Other symptoms include swollen glands and a high temperature (fever). 

Catching rubella while pregnant can be very serious for the unborn baby. It can seriously damage their sight, hearing, heart, and brain. This condition is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). 

Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox (also known as varicella zoster virus) spreads very easily. It is very common in the UK, and mostly affects children, but anyone can catch it. If someone hasn’t had chickenpox before, there is a high risk (up to 90%) they will catch chickenpox if they are near someone who is infected. 

For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better without medical treatment, but for some people it can be very serious. The risk of serious illness from chickenpox, is much higher than people realise. Some people may need to be treated in hospital if they get problems from the infection. 

Symptoms of chickenpox are usually worse in adults, particularly pregnant women. These individuals are more likely to develop health issues. 

Infection from chickenpox can lead to serious illnesses, such as severe bacterial infections of the skin, lung problems (such as pneumonia), fits (seizures), swelling in the brain (encephalitis), or stroke in children.  

Once you’ve had chickenpox, it is unlikely you’ll get it again. However, the virus can stay in your nerves and can cause shingles when you are older.  

Symptoms of chickenpox include a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled?blisters.  

The blisters then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off. 

Before the rash appears, you or your child may have some mild?flu-like symptoms.

For more information and eligibility for the vaccines visit the Public Health Wales website.

Last Updated: 17/02/2022 16:06:22
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS website nhs.uk