Israel Advances Second MMRV Vaccine Dose to 18 Months in New Child Immunization Schedule
The Israeli Ministry of Health announced that starting July 1, 2026, the routine childhood vaccination schedule will be updated. The second dose of the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox), will be administered earlier, at 18 months of age instead of first grade. This change applies to children born from January 1, 2025, onward. The first dose will continue to be given at 12 months.
Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division, emphasized the significance of this adjustment, stating it will provide earlier and more complete protection for infants and significantly reduce illness and mortality from infectious diseases, especially measles. Additionally, the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine will be moved to first grade.
These changes aim to enhance early immunity among children and improve public health outcomes by reducing the spread and severity of these contagious diseases.
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