Changes to routine immunisation schedule in 2026

For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own, but for some, it can be very serious. The risk of serious illness from chickenpox is much higher than people used to think. Some people may need to be treated in hospital if they get problems from the infection. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chickenpox leads to over 4 million hospital stays and more than 4,000 deaths around the world each year. 

From 1 January 2026 Wales is introducing the chickenpox vaccine into the routine childhood immunisation schedule. This is to help stop serious illness and save lives. The decision was made after advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the UK government. The recommendation is based on the success of chickenpox vaccination programmes in other countries. 

The chickenpox vaccine is a combined vaccine, which helps protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). It is called the MMRV vaccine. From January 2026, MMRV replaces the MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation schedule in Wales. The MMR vaccine is still available for some people who need it. This includes older children and adults who have not had two doses, and who are not eligible for the MMRV vaccine. 

For more information about the reasons for the change, please see the sections below on this page, or visit:  Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule