# MMRV Vaccine Factsheet – Information for Parents and Caregivers

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/06e9a7b2-d50d-4bd2-96f4-08ea71cc3b26
Type: Guidance
Published: December 22, 2025

> Starting January 1, 2026, the United Kingdom will incorporate the MMRV vaccine into its routine childhood immunization schedule. This combined vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). These diseases are associated with severe health complications, including pneumonia, meningitis, and brain inflammation. Rubella is particularly hazardous to pregnant women, as it can cause permanent damage to an unborn baby's sight, hearing, heart, and brain. The decision to update the regulatory framework for childhood vaccinations follows a recorded increase in disease cases, specifically among unvaccinated children under the age of ten. While the provided text does not identify a specific company, inspection dates, or regulatory violations, it serves as a public health guidance emphasizing that the benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the risks of these diseases. The primary action required is for parents and guardians to ensure children receive the vaccine according to the new schedule to prevent serious illness and long-term complications. This initiative reflects the MHRA and UK health authorities' commitment to utilizing safe and effective vaccination strategies to protect the population from preventable, life-threatening conditions.

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## Content

The MMRV vaccine is an important vaccine that provides your child with protection against four potentially serious diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). The MMRV vaccine will become part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK from 1 January 2026. Diseases like measles and mumps can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and meningitis. If pregnant women catch rubella, it can affect their unborn baby, causing serious damage to their sight, hearing, heart and brain. Chickenpox can sometimes lead to serious complications including skin infections, pneumonia and brain inflammation. In recent years, there has been a rise in cases of some of these diseases, the vast majority in unvaccinated children under the age of 10 years. The risk of serious illness from some of these diseases is much higher than the potential risks associated with vaccination. Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from serious illness and long-term complications.

## Attachments

- [MMRV Vaccine Factsheet – Information for Parents and Caregivers ](/government/publications/mmrv-vaccine-factsheet-information-for-parents-and-caregivers/mmrv-vaccine-factsheet-information-for-parents-and-caregivers)