What is MMRV?
MMRV is a vaccination that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (more commonly called chickenpox).
When will my child get the MMRV vaccine?
- If your child was born on or after 1 January 2025: They’ll get their first MMRV dose at 12 months old and their second dose at 18 months old.
- If your child was born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024: They’ll get their first MMRV dose at 18 months and their second dose at 3 years and 4 months.
- If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024: They’ll get one MMRV dose at 3 years and 4 months.
- Selective catch-up programme: Children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022 will be offered a catch-up dose of MMRV between November 2026 and March 2028, if they haven’t already had chickenpox or two doses of chickenpox vaccine.
- If your child was born on or before 31 December 2019, they will not receive the MMRV vaccine. If they are not up to date with two doses of MMR-containing vaccination, they can be caught up using the MMR vaccine.
- Don’t worry – you do not need to memorise this. Your GP practice will invite you to book an appointment for your child when they need it.
What is chickenpox, or varicella?
Chickenpox is a very infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is very common in young children and causes a fever and an itchy, spotty rash. These spots can be painful and appear all over the body.
Do we need this vaccine, shouldn’t we just let kids catch chickenpox?
Some children have serious complications from the chickenpox virus, including chest infection, fits, and encephalitis (swelling affecting the brain).
Later in life, the chickenpox virus can re-activate and cause a very painful rash called shingles. It can cause severe complications, especially for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and older people.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions which reduced population exposure to chickenpox, particularly in older children who missed natural infection, the immunity gaps have widened. This group of children and young people are now more vulnerable, and chickenpox tends to be more severe with age. So, these vaccinations will help regain herd immunity for chickenpox, which has been lost post lockdown.
Introducing a chickenpox vaccination reduces the impact on GP appointments, hospital admissions, and missed workdays caused by chickenpox outbreaks.
Many other countries (Germany, Spain, Canada, USA) have successfully introduced the chickenpox vaccine into their vaccination programmes, leading to sharp declines in hospitalisations and fewer severe cases of chickenpox.
Why are you combining the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine with MMR?
- The MMRV vaccine has been shown to create long lasting protection against all four diseases.
- Using a combined vaccine for both the first and second dose means fewer injections are needed in a single immunisation visit, which parents have said they prefer in past feedback.
Does the MMRV vaccine contain pork?
There are two versions of the MMRV vaccine, one contains porcine gelatine, the other does not. Both versions protect your child against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox and are safe and effective. When you are invited to book an MMRV vaccination for your child, you can ask your GP practice for the MMRV vaccine with no pork gelatine.
If I don’t want my child to have the MMRV vaccine, can I ask for them to have the MMR vaccine instead?
No. Only the MMRV vaccine is available on the NHS from 1 January 2026 as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. (The MMR vaccine without chicken pox is only available for catch up for those born before, or on, 31st December 2019.)
If I don’t want my child to have the MMRV vaccine, can I ask for them to have just the chickenpox vaccine?
No. There is no varicella/chickenpox-only vaccine available on the NHS for children. We can only offer the MMRV vaccination.
The single chickenpox vaccine is available from some private clinics, but even if booked, this could leave a child without protection from measles, mumps and rubella.
My child has already had the MMR, is it safe for them to have the MMRV vaccine?
Yes, parents or carers can be reassured that additional doses are not harmful.
My child has had the separate chickenpox vaccine (one or two doses), is it safe for them to have the MMRV vaccine?
Yes, research shows an additional dose of chickenpox / varicella vaccine is safe and will not harm children.
My child has had chickenpox. Do they really need the MMRV vaccine?
Yes, as the MMRV vaccine will also protect them from measles, mumps and rubella. Research shows an additional dose of chickenpox / varicella vaccine is safe and will not harm children.
I am concerned about overloading my child’s immune system
Giving your child the MMRV vaccine alongside the other vaccines given at the same age will not overload their immune system. From birth, a baby’s immune system protects them from the germs that surround them. Studies show it is safe to have several vaccinations at the same time.
These vaccines are timed carefully, to:
- reduce the risk to a child of catching vaccine-preventable diseases
- ensure the body is ready to learn how to defend against these diseases
Why is my child getting different vaccinations to their sibling? / Why will some children have two MMRVs and others only one?
The routine MMRV programme is two doses at 12 months and 18 months.
The catch-up Varicella vaccination programme (for children between 3 years 4 months and 6 years old on 31 December 2019) is a one dose MMRV programme.
For this older age group, a one dose programme provides enough protection to these children from Varicella/Chickenpox infection.
What if the vaccination appointment is scary for my child?
Babies and children are usually fine in their vaccination appointments, the staff giving the vaccination are well trained and it is over quickly.
Teddy Bear’s Vaccination Adventure is a short, friendly video that follows Teddy and his young carer as they visit their GP practice for Teddy’s vaccine appointment. You might find this helpful to watch with your child, especially children aged 1 to 6 years old.
In the video, you will meet the friendly staff who welcome Teddy and make him feel comfortable and happy about having his vaccine, so that his visit is a positive experience.
When do I book my child’s vaccination?
Your GP practice will contact you when your child is due for their vaccinations. They may contact you by letter, text, phone call or email. Please book your child’s appointment when you receive your invitation. If you have any questions, speak to your GP practice.
Measles outbreaks
Measles is spreading in London and many parts of the UK now. Children who get measles can be very ill. Some will suffer life changing complications.
Find out how measles and other childhood diseases could affect your child on the Healthier Together website.
How to protect your child from infectious diseases including measles
The best way to protect your child is to make sure they are fully up to date with vaccinations – find out which vaccinations they need and when.