The MMRV vaccine – what parents need to know. As part of ongoing efforts to protect children from serious infectious diseases, the UK is introducing the MMRV vaccineinto the routine childhood immunisation programme.
MMRV is a four-in-one vaccine that protects against:
These infections are often thought of as mild childhood illnesses, but all four can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Why is the MMRV vaccine being introduced? In recent years, the UK has seen a decline in childhood vaccination uptake, alongside outbreaks of measles and rising hospital admissions linked to chickenpox.
The introduction of the MMRV vaccine aims to:
Chickenpox is extremely common, and while many cases are mild, it can lead to complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, brain inflammation. Vaccination also helps protect vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated themselves.
How does MMRV fit into the childhood immunisation programme? The UK childhood immunisation programme is designed to give children protection at the safest and most effective ages.
MMRV builds on the long-established MMR vaccine, which has been used safely in the UK for decades. By combining protection against chickenpox with MMR, children can receive broader immunity with fewer appointments.
Your GP practice or health visitor will let you know when and how the vaccine is offered, and will keep a record in your child’s Red Book (personal child health record).
Is the MMRV vaccine safe? Yes. The MMRV vaccine has been extensively studied and is already used routinely in several countries around the world.
Before any vaccine is added to the UK programme, it must meet strict safety, quality and effectiveness standards, and continues to be monitored by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Like all vaccines, MMRV can cause mild side effects, such as:
These usually pass within a few days. Serious side effects are very rare.
Why high vaccination rates matter. Vaccination doesn’t just protect individual children – it helps protect whole communities.
When vaccination rates fall:
Keeping uptake high helps prevent outbreaks and reduces pressure on the NHS.
Where can I get reliable information? If you have questions about the MMRV vaccine or your child’s vaccinations:
Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health measures ever introduced. The addition of the MMRV vaccine is designed to strengthen protection for children and help keep preventable diseases under control across the UK.
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