Major Changes to the Childhood Vaccination Schedule: What Parents Need to Know
Big changes are coming to the UK’s childhood vaccination schedule, including a new appointment at 18 months. Here’s what it means for your child, and why at Coyne Medical we already recommend one of the key changes: an earlier second dose of the MMR vaccine.
What’s Changing in the NHS Childhood Vaccination Programme?
The UK Government and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have announced a series of significant updates to the childhood vaccination schedule, many of which will begin to roll out from July 2025, with further changes coming in January 2026. These updates are aimed at improving protection during early childhood and simplifying the immunisation process.
Key Changes:
From July 2025:
Meningitis B vaccine: Second dose moved from 16 to 12 weeks.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13): First dose delayed to 16 weeks.
Hib/Men C vaccine (Mentorix): Removed due to discontinuation.
Selective neonatal Hepatitis B dose: No longer offered at one year.
From January 2026:
New 18-month appointment:
A fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B).
The second MMR dose moved forward from 3 years 4 months to 18 months.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates follow clinical evidence and supply changes, but also reflect the growing importance of early protection. Notably, moving the second MMR dose earlier has been shown in studies to improve overall uptake and provide better protection during toddlerhood, when outbreaks can spread quickly.
Our Approach at Coyne Medical
At Coyne Medical, we already recommend giving the second MMR dose at 18 months, particularly in response to increased cases of measles and mumps in London. This proactive approach:
Provides earlier protection against these highly contagious illnesses.
Reduces the risk of complications, especially in children attending nurseries or starting school.
Enhances community immunity, helping to protect vulnerable individuals.
A Special Note: Catch-Up for Children Who Missed MMR
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families experienced disruptions to routine vaccinations. As a result, some children may have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine.
Why this matters:
Measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).
Mumps, especially when contracted after puberty, can lead to orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) in boys and infertility in rare cases.
Rubella poses a particular danger to unborn babies if contracted during pregnancy.
What parents can do:
Check your child’s vaccination record: especially if they were born between 2018 and 2021.
Book a catch-up appointment: It’s never too late to get protected. We offer catch-up MMR vaccinations for children, teens, and adults who missed out.
Be aware of symptoms: Swelling of the salivary glands (parotitis), fever, and fatigue in an unimmunised child could be a sign of mumps. Speak to your GP immediately.
Even if your child is older than the recommended schedule, catching up now is vital to prevent complications and reduce transmission, especially in schools and crowded settings.
We're Here to Help
Whether you’re following the standard NHS schedule, catching up after delays, or wanting the most up-to-date protection; we’re here to support your family.
To speak to a doctor about your child’s vaccinations, review your child’s record, or book an MMR catch-up, contact us or call us directly.
We know some parents continue to have concerns about the safety of the MMR vaccine. If you would like to read more detailed information about the vaccine, please take a look at this information from the University of Oxford here.
👩⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Lucy Hooper is a private GP at Coyne Medical in London, specialising in family medicine, preventative care and screening. Passionate about patient-centered healthcare, she provides expert guidance on health screenings, and personalised wellness plans.
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