Israel Advances Second MMRV Vaccine Dose to 18 Months to Boost Measles Protection

The Israeli Ministry of Health has updated its routine childhood vaccination schedule by moving the second dose of the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, from first grade to 18 months of age. This change, effective immediately, applies to children born from January 1, 2025. The first MMRV dose will continue to be administered at 12 months, while the second dose will now be given during routine health visits at 18 months.

This decision follows professional evaluations by the Public Health Division and recommendations from the advisory vaccination committee, prompted by recent measles outbreaks in Israel and worldwide. The Ministry expects that earlier administration of the second dose will enhance individual immunity in infants and toddlers, strengthen herd immunity, and reduce the risk of contagious disease outbreaks.

Simultaneously, the timing for the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine has been shifted to first grade to maintain balance in the vaccination schedule. Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Services at the Ministry, emphasized that advancing the second MMRV dose is a crucial step toward earlier and more comprehensive protection for children. She noted the move is based on expert advice and international experience and is part of a broader initiative to increase vaccine coverage and accessibility across Israel.