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

Starting July 1, 2026, Israel's Ministry of Health will update its routine childhood vaccination schedule by advancing 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 applies to children born from January 1, 2025, onward. The earlier administration aims to provide earlier protection against measles, increase individual immunity in infants and toddlers, and strengthen herd immunity among all young children.

Previously, the second MMRV dose was given through school health services in first grade. Under the new schedule, it will be administered at the "Tipat Halav" maternal and child health clinics at 18 months, following the first dose given at one year old. Additionally, the second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine will be moved to first grade to maintain balance in the vaccination timetable according to professional recommendations.

The decision follows professional evaluations by the Ministry of Health in response to recent measles outbreaks and recommendations from the advisory vaccination committee. Professor Sigal Sadetzki, head of the Public Health Division at the Ministry, emphasized that this update is a significant step toward optimal public health response, enabling earlier and more complete protection for infants. She noted the change is supported by broad expert consensus in Israel and internationally and is part of a comprehensive plan to increase vaccination coverage and accessibility for infectious diseases in childhood. The Ministry will continue collaborating with health system partners to ensure effective implementation of the updated program.