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.
We can now offer vaccination against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is great news so we can protect our patients from this nasty infection.
💉 Great news! We can now offer vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It causes serious respiratory infections in babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
This new RSV vaccine can help protect vulnerable groups and reduce hospitalisations. Here’s everything you need to know.
🔍 Understanding RSV
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause: ✅ Runny nose 🤧 ✅ Coughing & sneezing 😷 ✅ Fever 🌡️ ✅ Shortness of breath 🫁
👶 In babies, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis—a severe lung infection. 👂 In older children, it can cause middle ear infections & croup.
💡 How does RSV spread?
Through coughing & sneezing 🤧
By touching contaminated surfaces (RSV can survive for hours!) 🦠
From close contact with infected people 👥
⚠️ Who is at Risk?
RSV can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable:
👶 Babies under 6 months (especially those born August to November) 🏥 Premature babies or those with lung or heart conditions 🧓 Older adults (60+ years)—RSV can be fatal for some 🤒 People with weakened immune systems
Each year, thousands of babies, children, and adults in the UK are hospitalized due to RSV. Now, we finally have a vaccine to help prevent it! 🎉
💉 The RSV Vaccine: How It Works
The RSV vaccine (Abrysvo® by Pfizer) is NOT a live vaccine. It works by: 1️⃣ Exposing your immune system to a small part of the virus (an antigen). 2️⃣ Helping your body develop protective antibodies. 3️⃣ Allowing your immune system to recognise & fight RSV quickly if exposed.
💪 The result? A much lower risk of serious RSV infection!
📊 How Effective is the RSV Vaccine?
For Infants (via Maternal Vaccination)
👩🍼 Pregnant women who receive the vaccine pass antibodies to their babies. This has been shown to: ✅ Reduce severe RSV infections in newborns by ~80%
For Older Adults (60+ years)
📊 Studies show that vaccinated adults have an 80% lower chance of severe RSV infection. ⏳ Protection has been shown to last at least 2 years.
⚠️ Is the RSV Vaccine Safe?
Yes! The vaccine has been rigorously tested and used in real-world settings, such as the USA, since 2023.
Possible Mild Side Effects (like other vaccines):
💪 Soreness at the injection site 🤕 Mild fever or headache 🦵 Muscle aches
🚨 If you have a history of allergic reactions to a vaccine, consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
👩⚕️ Who Should Get the Vaccine?
Currently, the RSV vaccine is licensed in the UK for:
🤰 Pregnant women (recommended at 28–36 weeks of pregnancy)
Antibodies pass to the baby through the placenta
If you miss the timing, you can still get vaccinated later in pregnancy, antibodies can also be passed through breast milk 🍼
👵 Older adults (60+ years)
RSV can cause hospitalisations & deaths in older adults
The vaccine is especially important for those with lung or heart disease
🏥 Where to Get Vaccinated?
NHS Eligibility
✔️ Pregnant women—Available during routine antenatal care ✔️ Older adults—Currently offered to:
📅 Ages 75–79
📅 Ages 80+ (if you turned 80 after 1st September 2024 and before Aug 31, 2025) 🩺 Check with yourNHS GP to confirm availability.
Private Vaccination at Coyne Medical
🏥 We offer RSV vaccination for: ✅ Pregnant women (28–36 weeks) ✅ All adults aged 60+
Currently, there is no RSV vaccine licensed for babies & young children in the UK. 🔬 However, monoclonal antibody treatments are available for high-risk infants under hospital care.
📢 Take Action – Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones!
💡 With ongoing research, we hope to see more RSV protection options available soon!
💬 Got questions? Contact us at Coyne Medical—we’re happy to help!
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.
As Autumn sets in and the flu season approaches, it is important to consider vaccination and how it can protect us from this contagious, and sometimes severe, virus. The flu vaccine is widely available and recommended by both local and international health organisations. However, there is often reluctance to get the vaccine as misconceptions still exist about its efficacy and necessity. This article will discuss the benefits of the vaccine, how effective it is and how it acts as a protective measure for us and our families.
What is flu?
Flu is a respiratory virus spread by droplets created from sneezing or coughing. The infection causes a number of symptoms, including fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue. It sometimes can be more serious and result severe breathing difficulty, chest infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions.
Understanding the flu vaccine
The Flu vaccine is developed annually, based on research and recommendations from the World Health Organisation, who continuously monitor flu strains across the world. Each year they advise on the three or four key flu strains that are predicted to be the most common strains in the upcoming season. On receiving the vaccine, the body’s immune system is stimulated to develop antibodies, which then provide immune protection when the body is later exposed to those viruses. This reduces the likelihood of infection and can also reduce the severity of a subsequent flu infection, as well as the risk of complications.
Vaccine Effectiveness
The efficacy of the flu vaccine is influenced by a number of factors, including age, other health conditions and how closely matched the flu strains in circulation and the vaccine are. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu by 40-60% when the vaccine closely matches the circulating flu viruses.
New evidence from studies of the UK’s flu data over our last Winter (2023-2024), has revealed that the flu vaccination reduced hospitalisations in over 65 year olds by 30% and reduced hospitalisations in children aged 2 to 17 by 74%.
Types of Flu Vaccines
There are a number of different types of flu vaccines, which are each designed for different age groups and health needs:
Quadrivalent injected vaccines – protect against four flu strains – this is the vaccine we have at Coyne Medical and protects against the four key strains recommended for 2024/25 by the World Health Organisation.
High dose quadrivalent injected vaccines – For older adults, to offer stronger immune protection.
Adjuvanted injected vaccines – for adults over the age of 65, as the adjuvant enhances the immune response.
Nasal spray vaccines – a live attenuated vaccine offered to most children from the age of 2 up to year 11 of school (aside from a few exceptions, depending on medical history).
Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
As well as protecting us from flu and reducing the severity of flu illness, the benefits of the vaccine also extend to positive impacts upon the health, wellbeing and productivity of our wider communities. These benefits include:
Individual Protection
Reduced infection risk – The vaccine reduces the risk of infection and severity of infection.
Prevention of severe outcomes – Flu can result in severe complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Vaccination reduces the the risk of these complications and subsequently reduces rates of hospitalisations and ITU admissions due to infection. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions.
Family and community protection
Herd Immunity – When a significant number of the a community have received vaccination, this creates herd immunity. As spread of viruses is limited by vaccination, protection is then offered to those who cannot be vaccination (such as young babies).
Reduced Transmission – The reduction in transmission is also valuable in reducing infection rates in settings were close contacts with others is unavoidable (such as hospitals, schools and care homes)
Economic and Healthcare Benefits
Decreased Healthcare Costs – Given that flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of flu, severity of flu and risk of complications, it helps reduce the costs associated with the treatment of flu and its complications (such as the cost of medication and hospital stays).
Enhanced Workforce Productivity – Those that are vaccinated are less likely to get flu and also experience milder symptoms if they get it. This means that they will need to take less time off work, which will have less of an impact on productivity and economic output.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Myth 1: The Flu Vaccine Causes Flu
This is one of the most common myths that we hear. The vaccines either contain inactivated flu strains, weakened forms of the virus or genetic material from a virus. None of these elements cause flu but they do stimulate the immune response which can cause some mild flu-like symptoms as a side effect (such as low grade fever, aching and tiredness).
Myth 2: Healthy Individuals Do Not Need the Flu Vaccine
This is another common misconception. Whilst healthy people are at a lower risk of complications from flu infection, they can still become unwell and also spread the infection to others who may be more vulnerable. Vaccination helps to protect the individual and those around them.
Myth 3: The Flu Vaccine is Ineffective
This perception comes from the fact that the vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing infection. However it does not take into account the benefits of reduced severity of infection, reduced risk of complications and reduction in transmission (along with all of the many other substantial benefits listed above). Overall, the benefits clearly stack up.
Recommendations and Best Practices
Timing of Vaccination
The optimal time to receive the vaccine is before the end of October, when flu viruses start to spread more. Vaccination later in the flu season can still provide benefits, as infection rates tend to peak in January and February, but can continue until May. It takes up to two weeks to get the full immunity benefits of the vaccine after having it.
Vaccination for Specific Populations
Anyone over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine, but certain groups should prioritise vaccination, as they are at increased risk of complications. This includes:
Adults and children with certain long term health conditions (see below)
Adults over the age of 65 (recommended to get the adjuvanted vaccine)
Children aged 2 years and above, up to year 11 of school
Pregnant women
People who live in a residential or nursing home
People who are carers
People with a learning disability
Those living with someone who has a weakened immune system
Health and social care workers
Children and adults with long term health conditions are advised to get the flu jab as sometimes flu can make their condition worse. This includes heart problems, certain lung diseases, kidney disease, those with weakened immunity, liver disease, prior stroke or mini-stroke, diabetes, some neurological conditions, problems with your spleen and people with a body mass index of over 40.
Annual Vaccination
As flu viruses are constantly evolving and new strains are regularly appearing, yearly vaccination is essential to ensure that we have optimal immunity against the current flu strains. Data is continually being collected on the current circulating strains and this is used to make recommendations of the composition of the flu vaccine each year.
Conclusion
The flu vaccine is a vital tool that helps protect us against this contagious and sometimes severe infection. It has a huge range of benefits for individuals, by reducing the risk of infection, severity of infection and risk of complications. But it also has more far reaching benefits for families and wider communities, by reducing transmission, offering herd immunity and helping protect the vulnerable (including those who may not be eligible for or have access to the vaccine). As flu season approaches, it is imperative to prioritise flu vaccination for ourselves and our families.
Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.
British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine · European Atherosclerosis Society · Independent Doctors Federation
As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail 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.
Let’s explore a topic we are often asked about, shingles vaccines. Specifically, Shingrix and Zostavax. Understanding these vaccines is crucial. Shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It affects many people, particularly as they age.
Shingles: A Brief Overview
Shingles, or herpes zoster, manifests as a painful rash. The rash usually follows the path of a single nerve group. It’s a consequence of the reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus in the body. While not generally fatal, shingles can lead to serious complications like post-herpetic neuralgia, a severe chronic pain condition.
Shingles Vaccines: Zostavax and Shingrix
Zostavax: This was the go-to shingles vaccine for many years. It’s a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it uses a weakened form of the live virus. Zostavax effectively reduced shingles cases but less so in those over 70. Also, it couldn’t be used in immunocompromised individuals.
Shingrix: The newer player in the field, Shingrix is an inactivated recombinant vaccine. It contains only a part of the virus, making it safe even for those with weakened immune systems. Its efficacy surpasses Zostavax, offering better protection against shingles, even in older adults.
Comparing Effectiveness
Efficacy Over Time: Shingrix has shown higher and longer-lasting effectiveness compared to Zostavax. This is particularly so in the older population.
Safety for Immunocompromised Individuals: Unlike Zostavax, Shingrix is suitable for those with compromised immune systems.
Dosage and Side Effects
Shingrix requires two doses, spaced 2-6 months apart, while Zostavax was a single dose.
Side Effects: Shingrix may have more frequent mild side effects. But these are generally short-lived and manageable.
Recommendations for Those Vaccinated with Zostavax
Given Zostavax’s reduced effectiveness over time, it’s recommended that individuals previously vaccinated with Zostavax consider getting re-vaccinated with Shingrix.
My Perspective
Given the higher efficacy and broader suitability of Shingrix, it stands out as the preferred choice for shingles vaccination. Remember, shingles is not only painful but can also lead to debilitating long-term complications. Consider that one in three people may develop shingles in their lifetime. Thus, opting for the most effective vaccine available seems a prudent choice.
Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.
British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine · European Atherosclerosis Society · Independent Doctors Federation
As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail 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.
Over 30,000 cases of measles were reported across 40 countries in Europe last year, compared to less than 1,000 in the same area the year before. That’s a really dramatic increase and has doctors worried.
Professor Dame Jenny Harries has raised the alarm in the UK and is concerned we are risking a larger outbreak without action. In the last month alone there have been over 150 cases in England, spread across many areas of the country.
Does measles spread easily?
The reason the outbreak has health officials so worried is that measles spreads incredibly easily.
It is much more infectious than Covid-19 for example.
Up to 90% of people who are close to someone with measles will be infected, if they are not already immune.
Measles is caused by a virus. It spreads easily through the air or by droplets, for example by coughing and sneezing. People with measles are infectious from the time their symptoms first appear until 4 days after the appearance of the rash. So often for up to a week in total.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles infection is caused by a virus and the symptoms often start like any other virus. These can include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes). Then a rash starts to appear. This is unusual in that it starts on the head or face and then spreads down the body and to the arms and legs over 3 to 4 days. The rash is pink, with flat or slightly raised spots.
Koplik’s spots are a special sign we would always look for if we suspect a measles infection. These are red spots with a blue or whitish centre that can be seen inside the mouth. They appear one to two days before the rash appears and can still be seen for 1 to 2 days afterward.
If you are concerned about the possibility of measles then please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. This means you can get treatment advice and be monitored for any complications. If measles is suspected your doctor should make arrangements for you to have tests to confirm the infection. It will also help track outbreaks and we can vaccinate people who you have been in contact with too to reduce the chances of them becoming unwell.
Do I need a measles vaccine?
We would recommend everyone who is fully vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones against measles. Two doses of the vaccine will provide over 99% protection. There are a small number of people who can not have the vaccination for health reasons, such as an allergy to part of the vaccine or immunosuppression (having a very low immune system).
If you or your child have been exposed to someone with measles and have not been fully vaccinated you may be given the MMR vaccine which may prevent an infection. This is most effective if given within 3 days of exposure so don’t delay if you have been exposed. It is very safe to give the vaccine even if you might already be incubating measles. Many people are not sure if they were vaccinated in children or don’t have access to their records, in this scenario it is safe to have an extra dose of the vaccine.
What age can babies and children be vaccinated against measles?
MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is given at 12 months of age and again at 3 years and 4 months of age (often called ‘preschool booster’), as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK.
If a young baby or child is at an increased risk of measles the vaccine can be given earlier. This is usually if they have been exposed to someone with measles or are traveling to an area where there is a measles outbreak.
Babies under 1 year of age: they can have the vaccine from 6 months of age. At this young age, many babies will still have antibodies from their mother which were passed over during pregnancy across the placenta. This means the vaccine may not be as effective. If a baby has a dose of the MMR vaccine under 12 months of age, we would still recommend they have their two further routine doses to make sure they are well protected.
Children aged 1 to 5: Some babies will not be immune after their first dose of MMR vaccine. This is why a second dose of the vaccine is recommended, usually at preschool age, 3 years and 4 months onwards. The second dose of the vaccine can be given safely from 18 months of age. It has been given in this way in many countries to ensure young children receive full protection sooner. In the current outbreak, parents may wish to give their children the second dose of the MMR vaccine from 18 months of age and we would support this as a sensible choice.
If the child is over 3 years and 4 months of age and has not yet had their preschool booster this should be done as soon as possible.
Children aged 5 to 18 years of age: any child who might have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine during their childhood should be vaccinated as soon as possible. If they have missed both doses they can receive each dose 1 month apart.
Adults of any age:
If you have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine this is highly recommended.
Born between 1980 and 1990 in the UK? Many people in this age bracket only received one dose of the MMR vaccine in childhood. They should definitely receive their second dose now.
Born between 1970 and 1979 in the UK? You might have received a measles vaccine in childhood. We can safely give two doses of the MMR vaccine. This is especially recommended if you are at a high risk of being exposed to measles or if we know you are not immune.
Born in the UK before 1970? There is a good chance you may have had measles or been exposed to the virus in childhood and be immune. We can do a blood test to check for immunity if needed or vaccinate you.
Help protect more people by sharing this with family and friends.
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.
