MenB jab uptake in babies increases but ‘significant’ variation for MMRV, early data shows

Uptake of Meningitis B (MenB) vaccinations in babies appears to be on the rise following recent changes to the childhood immunisations schedule, new data has shown.

A provisional report, published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has revealed that recent vaccine schedule changes – moving the second MenB dose from 16 weeks to 12 weeks of age – has helped protect babies earlier against meningococcal B disease.

Provisional figures show that in England, coverage of the second MenB dose in six-month-old babies reached 89.8% in April 2026 – a 4.6 percentage point increase compared to April 2025.

The data set also provides ‘early evidence’ that uptake of the new measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccine has ‘been sustained’ following the switch to the new schedule which saw protection against chickenpox included.

Provisional data for April shows that 77.7% (35,366 out of 45,488) of eligible 15-month-olds had received their first dose of the MMRV vaccine.

However, ‘significant variation’ persists across England with the first dose of MMR/MMRV coverage for April ranging from 72% in London to 83.0% in the South West.

Despite this variation, the UKHSA confirmed that ‘many children’ do catch up ‘over time’ with MMR first dose coverage increasing to 92.6% in those aged five.

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The government stated it is ‘urgent’ that MMRV uptake is improved as a further 65 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported in England since the last update two weeks ago.

Two children in England have died from measles this year. As a result of cases numbers in 2024 and the re-establishment of endemic transmission, the World Health Organization revoked the UK’s measles elimination status earlier this year.

The childhood vaccination schedule was updated in June 2025 to move the second MenB dose from 16 weeks to 12 weeks of age.

This change was one of several in the schedule, including a new 18-month appointment from the 1 January this year to offer the second dose of the MMR vaccine earlier, alongside a switch from MMR to MMRV, to include protection against varicella.

The government is hoping to improve the MMR/MMRV uptake, underlining the recent confirmed measles cases by the latest measles surveillance data, which saw the total number of confirmed cases between 1 January and 22 June at 801, compared to 959 cases for the whole of 2025.

The majority (60%) of these cases were in children aged 10 years and under.

In the last month, London accounted for the highest proportion of cases (49%).

Deputy director of immunisation at the UKHSA Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: ‘Childhood vaccines save lives. They are highly effective, free on the NHS and every dose matters.

‘Vaccines not only provide protection for the individual child but can also protect the wider community.

‘Sadly, we continue to see the consequences of sub-optimal MMR/V vaccine uptake. Confirmed measles cases have risen significantly this year, and two children have tragically lost their lives to this disease.

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‘Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious complications, yet it is entirely preventable.

‘With uptake rates still well below the level needed to stop outbreaks, I urge every parent to check whether their child is up to date with their vaccinations.

‘It could save your child’s life as well protect those too young or too vulnerable to be vaccinated themselves.’

Health minister Sharon Hodgson added: ‘It is encouraging the vast majority of babies are receiving their second MenB dose on time, which offers potentially lifesaving protection.

‘Recent changes to the childhood immunisation schedule have made it easier for parents and have been well supported by our incredible NHS who are also now working hard on the MMRV catch-up campaign.

‘But vaccination rates for children are still too low. These vaccines are safe, effective and protect against serious illness.

‘I’d strongly urge all parents to take up the offer when it comes and to check their children’s record to ensure no vaccinations are missing.’

Meanwhile, a one-off meningitis vaccination programme will be offered to thousands of young people in England ahead of the next academic year through community pharmacies.

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The government has confirmed that all Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university or residential further education will be offered a two-dose vaccination against MenB.

Appointments for those eligible will be available in participating community pharmacies from the end of July.

The move comes after an outbreak of MenB in Kent earlier this year which saw the death of two students and 21 confirmed cases of the disease.