Overview
- GP practices have begun offering the combined measles–mumps–rubella–varicella jab at routine appointments and are contacting eligible families.
- Children born on or after 1 January 2025 are offered two doses at 12 months and 18 months.
- Those born 1 July–31 December 2024 receive doses at 18 months and at 3 years 4 months, with the second dose moved earlier to 18 months for children born on or after 1 July 2024.
- Children born 1 September 2022–30 June 2024 are offered a single dose at 3 years 4 months, with a one‑off catch‑up planned later in 2026 for those born 1 January 2020–31 August 2022.
- Officials highlight long-standing international use and a strong safety profile, and expect fewer absences and hospitalisations plus about £15m a year in NHS savings alongside £24m in current productivity losses.