We would like update all colleagues on changes to the routine childhood immunisation schedule, and also to the selective Hepatitis B immunisation given to at-risk babies.
These changes have been primarily prompted by the the decision to discontinue Menitorix (Hib/MenC) vaccine, first introduced into the UK routine immunisation schedule in 2006. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has reviewed the implications of this and have also recommended further changes. Full
details are shown in related content.
In summary, these changes are: From 1st July 2025:
Cessation of routine Hib/Men C to those turning one year old
The JCVI recommended this immunisation was no longer required due to the effectiveness of the MedACWY immunisation programme in adolescence.
Children attending for their second routine visit at 12 weeks
MenB vaccination is being brought forward from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, and the first PCV13 is being moved from 12 weeks to 16 weeks, to avoid increasing the number of immunisations given at 12 weeks.
Children attending a new routine appointment at 18 months
At this new routine scheduled appointment, children will be offered an additional 4th dose of DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB hexavalent vaccine, to replace the Hib dose no longer given at the twelve-month appointment.
Children attending the new routine appointment at 18 months
The second MMR dose currently given at 3 years 4 months will be moved forward to the new 18-month appointment; this should improve uptake and provide earlier protection.
Selective Hepatitis B neonatal vaccination programme
The Hep B monovalent dose offered at one year is being removed, in light of the addition of a dose of hexavalent vaccine at 18 months from 1st January 2026 [see below]
Children who have already received their 12-week PCV13 vaccination prior to 1st July 2025 should remain on the current schedule and be invited for a second MenB at 16 weeks. Children who have not received their 12-week vaccinations by 1st July 2025,
including those who attend late, should be offered vaccinations in line with the new schedule.
Because the selective HepB vaccination date is changing, such children should be offered their blood test [usually as a dried blood spot test for HepB] but this can be undertaken between 1 year and 18 months. There is no contractual requirement for GPs to undertake this test, but there is to record the results for this test in their GPs medical records.
The changes to the routine schedule are summarised here.
Additional Comments
- These changes are being incorporated into the 2025/26 GP Contract.
- The IoS fee for childhood immunisation has risen to £12.06 from the 2025/26
financial year with the Statement of Financial Entitlements (SFE) amended
accordingly. - Data extraction related to the new 18-month vaccination schedule will
commence from 1st January 2026. - Update PGD templates will be available from UKHSA for NHS England
commissioned services. - Relevant Green Book chapters will also be updated.
- There is a UKHSA webinar regarding these changes