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 significant updates to the childhood vaccination schedule. Many changes begin rolling out from July 2025, with further changes from January 2026, aimed at improving early childhood protection and simplifying immunisation.
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 introduced:
- A fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B)
- Second MMR dose moved forward from 3 years 4 months to 18 months
Key Changes
These updates follow clinical evidence and supply changes, reflecting the growing importance of early protection. Moving the second MMR dose earlier has been shown 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 and some children may have missed one or both MMR doses.
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. We offer catch-up MMR vaccinations for children, teens, and adults
- Be aware of symptoms: swollen salivary glands (parotitis), fever, and fatigue in an unimmunised child could indicate mumps — speak to your GP immediately
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. Contact us or call us directly to speak to a doctor about your child’s vaccinations, review their record, or book an MMR catch-up.
Note: For parents with concerns about MMR vaccine safety, the University of Oxford has detailed information available.
DR LUCY HOOPER
MB BS BSc MRCGP MA DRCOG DCH
Lucy is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical. She graduated with honours from Imperial College London, trained at St Mary’s Hospital, and holds a Master’s in Medical Ethics and Law. Her clinical interests span women’s health, preventive medicine, and genomics, with a particular focus on using advanced biomarkers to build a more complete picture of long-term health.
British Society for Genetic Medicine · European Atherosclerosis Society ·
Independent Doctors Federation
As seen in BBC, The Guardian, Women’s Health, The Times and Tatler
For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.