This page contains learning on forthcoming changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule and the selective neonatal hepatitis B programme occurring in July 2025 and January 2026. This includes the introduction of a new routine vaccination appointment at 18 months of age
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends a universal varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme should be introduced as part of the routine childhood schedule. This should be a 2-dose programme offering vaccination at 12 and 18 months of age using the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine. The CMO letter published 4th November details these changes.
JCVI statement on a childhood varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme - GOV.UK
Changes to the Scottish Childhood Vaccination Schedule from 1 January 2026 (phase 2)
The table below sets out scheduling of the introduction of this change date of birth for children.
Table of Childhood Immunisation Schedule December 2025
Further details on the changes coming into effect January 2026 will follow in due course.
Read Only Slide set Webinar Childhood Schedule Change 2026 041225
The aim of the webinar is to help support healthcare practitioners to understand and confidently discuss phase 2 changes to the national childhood immunisation schedule in January 2026.
Transcript for Transcript NES PHS Webinar National Childhood Immunisation Schedule Changes 4th December 2025
NES/PHS have developed a slide set to help support healthcare practitioners to recognise changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule and the selective neonatal Hepatitis B vaccination programme from 1st July 2025.
NOTE: The vaccine specific learning resources affected by these changes have been updated to reflect the changes, which come into effect on 1 July 2025.
PowerPoint Read only slides Childhood Schedule Changes 2025 V1 120525
PDF Slides with notes Childhood Schedule Changes 2025 V1 120525