Routine Childhood Immunisations: What’s Changing from January 2026

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released the updated Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule, which comes into effect from January 2026. The refreshed schedule outlines when children should receive key vaccines that protect against serious illnesses such as measles, meningitis, polio, and whooping cough.

This update ensures that children continue to receive the safest and most effective protection at the right time in their early development.

Key Vaccines by Age

8 Weeks

Babies receive their first set of vaccines, including:

  • 6‑in‑1 vaccine (protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, and hepatitis B)
  • MenB
  • Rotavirus (oral vaccine)

12 Weeks

The second doses of:

  • 6‑in‑1 vaccine
  • MenB
  • Rotavirus

16 Weeks

The third doses of:

  • 6‑in‑1 vaccine
  • Pneumococcal (PCV)

1 Year (on or after the first birthday)

Children receive boosters for:

  • PCV
  • MenB
  • MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella)

18 Months

For children born on or after 1 July 2024, the schedule includes:

  • 6‑in‑1 booster
  • MMRV Children born before this date do not require an appointment at 18 months.

3 Years 4 Months

Pre‑school boosters include:

  • dTaP/IPV (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio)
  • MMRV

12–13 Years

Boys and girls receive:

  • HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) to protect against cancers and genital warts

14 Years (School Year 9)

Teenagers receive:

  • Td/IPV booster
  • MenACWY vaccine

Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for eligible children, with the nasal spray (LAIV) as the preferred option. If unsuitable, an inactivated flu vaccine is offered instead.

Selective Immunisation Programmes

Additional vaccines are recommended for:

  • Babies born to mothers with hepatitis B
  • Infants in areas with high tuberculosis (TB) incidence
  • Children with certain clinical risk factors
  • Pregnant women (flu, pertussis, RSV)

Why These Vaccines Matter

Routine immunisations remain one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities from preventable diseases. The updated schedule ensures timely protection and reflects the latest evidence on vaccine safety and effectiveness.