Provisional data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that changes to the childhood vaccination schedule are successfully accelerating protection against meningitis B, though measles outbreaks persist. As of April 2026, second-dose meningitis B (MenB) coverage in 6-month-olds reached 89.8% in England, a 4.6 percentage point increase from the previous year, following a shift in the scheduling of the second dose.
How has the vaccination schedule changed?
The UK government implemented a revised immunization schedule starting in 2025 to bolster early-life immunity. According to the UKHSA, the second dose of the MenB vaccine was moved from 16 weeks to 12 weeks of age in June 2025. Additionally, a new 18-month appointment was introduced in January 2026 to administer the second dose of the MMR vaccine earlier. This appointment also transitioned the standard MMR vaccine to MMRV, which includes protection against chickenpox.
The switch to the MMRV vaccine aims to simplify the immunization process by consolidating protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) into a single visit.
Why do measles cases continue to rise?
Despite improvements in some areas, England faces an ongoing measles crisis. The UKHSA reports 801 laboratory-confirmed measles cases between 1 January and 22 June 2026. This figure is nearing the 959 cases recorded for the entirety of 2025. Of the 801 cases documented this year, 60% involved children aged 10 and under. Tragically, the UKHSA confirmed that two children have died from the disease in 2026.
Geographic disparities remain a significant hurdle. UKHSA data shows that while some regions maintain higher uptake, London reported the highest proportion of cases—49%—over the most recent four-week period. Coverage for the first dose of MMR/MMRV in April 2026 ranged from 72.0% in London to 83.0% in the South West.
What is the future of the NHS catch-up campaign?
NHS England is prioritizing an aggressive catch-up campaign for 2026/27. The focus is specifically on increasing MMR/V uptake to restore the country’s measles elimination status, which was previously removed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Health Minister Sharon Hodgson stated that while the NHS is supporting the new schedule, current vaccination rates remain below the threshold required to halt outbreaks.
| Metric | 2026 Status |
|---|---|
| MenB 2nd dose (6-month-olds) | 89.8% (April) |
| Measles cases (Jan–June) | 801 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the MenB vaccination schedule changed?
The schedule was adjusted to provide earlier protection. By moving the second dose to 12 weeks, babies are protected against meningococcal B disease a full month earlier than under the previous schedule, according to Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UKHSA.
Is the MMRV vaccine safe for children?
Yes. Both the UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care describe childhood vaccines, including the MMRV, as safe and effective. They are provided free of charge by the NHS.
What should parents do if they missed a vaccination?
Parents are urged to check their child’s vaccination records via their GP or the NHS app. If a dose was missed, local NHS services are running catch-up campaigns to ensure children receive their required immunizations.
If you are unsure about your child’s vaccination status, contact your local GP surgery. They have access to the national database and can schedule any necessary catch-up doses immediately.
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