Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated. The spots of the measles rash, which are not usually itchy, are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. Both the MMRV and MMR vaccines provide protection against measles, mumps and rubella and the MMRV vaccine also provides protection from chickenpox. Children under 6 on 1st January 2026 will now get the MMRV vaccine as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. This replaces the MMR vaccine in the routine schedule and adds protection against chickenpox, alongside measles, mumps and rubella.

Source: The Times February 15, 2026 12:33 UTC