Some interesting new changes have happened to the UK child vaccination program (starting from 1st July 2025).
Change number 1 is to the MenB vaccine that was previously given at 8 and 16 weeks, with a booster at one year. This is responsible for meningococcal.
There has been a big drop in MenB disease in the UK since the vaccine and the peak age for this disease has now shifted to 1-3 months of age. A study by LION MenB looked at a slightly different schedule of 8 and 12 weeks which showed good protection against serious disease. By moving the vaccine to 12 weeks it will cover the peak age and ensure protection.
And to keep the number of vaccines the same, PCV vaccine (at 13 weeks) will be moved to 16 weeks.
If your baby hasn’t turned 12 weeks by 1st July 2025 they will be on the new schedule.
The second change is to the MMR vaccine. A new 18 month vaccine appointment is now introduced to bring their second dose forward (the first is usually given at 12 months). This will improve coverage and reduce the likelihood of measles outbreaks as well as helping with plans for the chickenpox vaccine which will eventually be given alongside the MMR vaccine as MMRV at 12 and 18 months.
A fourth dose of the Hexavalent vaccine that gives protection against 6 different bacterial infections will also be given at that appointment.
Lastly the HiB/MenC vaccine that was previously given at one year is no longer required in the childhood schedule. This is due to the success of MenC vaccine programs and the decline of MenC diseases since 1999. So the HiB part of the vaccine will be given at the new 18 month appointment using a 6-in-1 vaccine.
