From January 2026, the chickenpox vaccine will be added to the UK’s routine childhood immunisation schedule. This means that instead of separate MMR and chickenpox jabs, young children will now receive a combined MMRV vaccine, protecting them against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox with two doses.
There will also be a catch-up programme for children born between 2020 and 2022 who haven’t had chickenpox.
In this article, we’ll explain what the MMRV vaccine is, how it differs from the MMR vaccine and your options if you prefer separate vaccinations.
What is the MMRV Vaccine?
The MMRV vaccine is a combined vaccine that protects children from four contagious diseases:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (also called German measles)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Vaccinating children against these diseases is important to protect their health and keep the wider community safe. The NHS has now replaced the MMR vaccine with MMRV for young children to reduce the number of injections and add protection against chickenpox. This has come about following the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)
Many parents may still wish to give their children the vaccines separately and that option is available privately.
How and when children will be offered the MMRV vaccine in the UK:
In the UK:
- First dose: 12 months old
- Second dose: 18 months old
- Catch-up dose: Children born between 1st January 2020 and 31st August 2022 will be offered a single catch-up dose from November 2026.
Children aged 6 or older who have already had chickenpox will continue to be eligible for the original MMR vaccine if needed.
Why Does My Child Need to be Protected Against Chickenpox, Measles, Mumps and Rubella?
Measles:
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world.
- Causes red, blotchy rash, fever, cough and runny nose.
- Can lead to serious complications such as lung infections, blindness or brain disease.
Mumps:
Mumps is a contagious viral infection.
- Causes flu-like symptoms and swollen glands under the ears or the jaw.
- Around 1 in 10 develop meningitis; rare cases can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis).
Rubella:
Rubella is a viral illness also called German measles, but it is different from the illness caused by the measles virus.
- Usually mild in children, with symptoms including a rash, fever, headache, swollen glands, runny nose, joint pain or sore, red eyes
- Dangerous in pregnancy.
Chickenpox:
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is caused by a highly contagious virus.
- Causes an itchy red rash and fluid-filled blisters.
- Most children recover in about a week, but it can be dangerous for babies, pregnant women or children with weak immune systems.
Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from these diseases. They help reduce the spread of these diseases, which is especially important for protecting children who may be more vulnerable due to age, health conditions or social circumstances.
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.
Not sure which option is best for your child? Speak to our team for personalised advice.
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 usually available through the NHS. The MMR vaccine would need to be arranged privately through a private GP clinic or travel clinic.
Can You Get The Chickenpox Vaccine on the NHS?
Yes. From January 2026, the chickenpox vaccine will be available on the NHS as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
On the NHS, it is only offered as part of the combined MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. It is not available as a separate vaccine through the NHS.
Can My Child Get the Chickenpox Vaccine Separately?
Yes. If you would like your child to have the chickenpox vaccine separately from MMR, this can usually be arranged privately through a private GP clinic.
Choosing a private chickenpox vaccine can ensure your child is vaccinated quickly, without waiting on NHS lists. For more details on when your child should have the chickenpox vaccine and what to expect from private appointments, read our article on When Should Your Child Get the Chickenpox Vaccine?
Separate MMR and Varicella Vaccinations at The Oakley Medical Practice
At The Oakley Medical Practice, we offer families the option to arrange private MMR and chickenpox (varicella) vaccinations separately through our private GP practice. Our experienced doctors and nurses provide personalised care and advice, ensuring your child receives the vaccines safely and at a time that suits your schedule.
As a trusted private GP practice in Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham, we offer private childhood and baby vaccination services. This includes longer appointment times, shorter waiting lists and vaccinations not available on the NHS.
If you’d prefer the MMR vaccine and separate chickenpox vaccine for your child instead of the combined MMRV vaccine, we can offer that here at the Oakley Medical Practice. Contact us today to discuss your vaccination options and ensure your child is fully protected.
Call us today: 0121 368 8104
