Changes to the Childhood Immunisation Schedule – What to Expect from July 2025

From 1st July 2025, the NHS is changing the childhood immunisation schedule. These changes are designed to protect children earlier and make appointments easier for families. More changes will follow from 1st January 2026.

Immunisations and vaccines are one of the best ways to protect children from serious illnesses. They help keep your child safe and stop diseases from spreading in the community.

These changes will apply to children born on or after 1st July 2024. For children born before that date, they will follow the previous NHS schedule.

What’s Changing from July 2025?

MenB Vaccine Given Sooner

The second dose of the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine will move from 16 weeks to 12 weeks. This gives babies better early protection against a dangerous infection.

PCV Vaccine Moved to 16 Weeks

The pneumococcal (PCV13) vaccine will move from 12 weeks to 16 weeks. This helps spread the injections out more evenly.

Hib/MenC Vaccine Removed at 12 Months

The Hib/MenC vaccine will no longer be given at 12 months for babies born on or after 1 July 2024. This is because the vaccine is no longer being made. Other vaccines still protect against these illnesses later in life.

Hepatitis B Changes for At-Risk Babies

Babies at risk of hepatitis B will no longer need the extra dose at 12 months. Instead, they will have a blood test between 12 and 18 months to check for immunity.

What’s Coming from January 2026?

New Appointment at 18 Months

The NHS is adding a new vaccine visit at 18 months. At this appointment, your child will get:

A fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine
The second dose of the MMR vaccine (this is earlier than before)

Giving the second MMR dose earlier means children are protected sooner from measles, mumps and rubella.

Chickenpox Vaccine May Be Added

A vaccine for chickenpox may also be added in 2026. It could be given with the MMR vaccine at 12 and 18 months. Older children may be offered catch-up doses.

Why These Changes Are Happening

The new schedule will:

Protect children sooner
Make appointments more balanced
Adjust for vaccine supply changes
Help increase uptake of important vaccines

This new schedule will make it easier for families and safer for children.

Summary of the New Schedule

For children born on or after 1 July 2024:

Age	Vaccines Given
8 weeks	6-in-1 (1st), Rotavirus, MenB (1st)
12 weeks	6-in-1 (2nd), Rotavirus (2nd), MenB (2nd)
16 weeks	6-in-1 (3rd), PCV13
12 months	MMR (1st), MenB (3rd), PCV13 (2nd)
18 months	6-in-1 (4th), MMR (2nd), (possibly chickenpox)
3 years 4 months	4-in-1 preschool booster
Teenage years	HPV, MenACWY, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster

What You Should Do

If your child was born before 1stJuly 2024, the current schedule still applies. If your child was born on or after this date, they will follow the new schedule.

Your Red Book may show these changes. GP practices and health visitor will help guide you and make sure your child gets the right vaccines.

Changes to the Childhood Immunisation Schedule – What to Expect from July 2025