Changes to the Childhood Vaccination Schedule

From 1 July 2025, the UK routine childhood immunisation schedule will be updated to better protect infants and young children at the times they are most vulnerable to serious infectious diseases.

These changes have been carefully considered and recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), and they reflect current evidence on disease patterns and vaccine effectiveness.

So, what is changing?

From 1st July 2025:

• MenB (Meningococcal B) vaccine will now be given at 8 and 12 weeks of age (previously 8 and 16 weeks) — offering earlier protection when infants are most at risk.
• Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) will move from 12 weeks to 16 weeks of age — to balance the number of injections at each visit and maintain protection.
• The Hib/MenC (Menitorix®) vaccine will no longer be offered at 12 months of age. Remaining eligible children born before 1 July 2024 can still receive Menitorix® while stocks last.
• The monovalent hepatitis B vaccine given at 12 months in selective neonatal cases will be discontinued.

From 1st January 2026:

• A new 18-month vaccination appointment will be introduced:
  • A fourth dose of DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6-in-1) vaccine
  • The second dose of the MMR vaccine (moved earlier from 3 years 4 months)

Why are these changes being made?

• The peak age of meningococcal disease has shifted to earlier in infancy. Moving the second MenB dose to 12 weeks gives babies protection when they need it most.
• Recent studies support shorter intervals between MenB doses without loss of efficacy.
• Reducing the number of vaccines at 12 weeks helps ease the experience for babies and families while maintaining timely protection.
• Introducing an 18-month check ensures children stay on track with protection against key diseases before entering nursery or pre-school.

What Parents and Carers Need to Know

• Your child’s vaccinations will still be free and available via the NHS.
• If your child is already partway through the vaccination schedule, their GP practice will ensure the correct schedule is followed based on their date of birth.
• If your child is eligible for Menitorix®, you will still be able to access it while stocks last.

More Information and Resources

You can read the full UKHSA update here.

Or speak to your GP, nurse, or health visitor if you have any questions about your child’s immunisations.

The safest way to protect your child from serious illness is through timely vaccination. We’re here to help make it as simple and safe as possible.

If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Stanford Medical Centre.

Published: Jul 8, 2025