Childhood vaccinations – a significant change in the routine vaccination program • Early protection against measles and other diseases

Starting today, the second dose of the MMRV vaccine will be given as early as 18 months of age.

(haipo) – The Ministry of Health announces an important update to the routine immunization program for children in Israel. Starting today, July 1, 2026, the second dose of the MMRV vaccine, which includes protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, will be advanced from first grade to 18 months of age. The change, based on professional recommendations and extensive international experience, is expected to improve personal and community protection against infectious diseases, primarily measles.

Earlier protection – for every baby and toddler

The update will apply to children born on or after January 1, 2025, and will allow two doses of vaccine to be administered at a younger age:

• First dose at one year of age
• Second dose at 18 months of age

The Ministry of Health explains that bringing forward the second dose will contribute to a significant increase in protection against measles, reduce the risk of outbreaks, and help strengthen herd immunity among all infants and toddlers.

Professional decision following measles outbreaks

The move was made after extensive staff work by the Public Health Division, including following measles outbreaks in recent years and the recommendations of the Vaccine Advisory Committee. Until now, the second dose was given as part of the first-grade student health services, but from now on it will be transferred to Tiptef Halav, as part of the effort to make the vaccine accessible and improve immunization coverage in early childhood.

Another change: Hepatitis A vaccine moves to Class A

To maintain balance in the vaccination schedule, the second dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine was moved to Grade 1. The change was made in accordance with professional recommendations and the overall planning of the vaccination schedule.

“An important step towards more complete and earlier protection”

Head of the Public Health Division, Prof. Sigal Sadetzky, She said: “Updating the vaccination program and bringing forward the second dose of the MMRV vaccine to one and a half years of age are an important step in adapting the professional response to public health. This is medical news that will enable full and earlier protection of every baby… This step will lead to a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, especially measles.”

She added that the move is part of a broad plan to increase vaccination coverage and make vaccines accessible to the entire population, and that the Ministry of Health will continue to work towards optimal implementation of the plan in cooperation with all parties in the health system.