What’s Important to Know About the New 2026 Vaccination Schedule: Pediatrician’s Advice

From January 1, 2026, an updated Preventive Vaccination Schedule approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine comes into force in Ukraine. As every year, updates to the vaccination schedule are driven by new data, research, and evolving requirements for children’s health.

So, what has changed in 2026 and how does it affect your child? Pediatrician Iryna Mykolaivna Plitkina explains the key changes related to childhood vaccination.

“I am often asked: ‘Why change the vaccination schedule again?’ My answer is simple — medicine is evolving, and vaccination is becoming safer along with it. The new 2026 schedule means fewer injections for children, the use of modern combination vaccines, and a more convenient timetable for parents. This is a step toward European standards and real care for children’s health,” explains pediatrician at ZDRAVO clinic, Iryna Mykolaivna Plitkina.

Changes in the 2026 vaccination schedule

The updated schedule includes important changes related to vaccines against infectious diseases. In particular, the vaccination schedule has changed for measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, pertussis, and tuberculosis. The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine has been added and is now recommended for girls aged 12–13.

HPV vaccination (human papillomavirus)

• Before: HPV vaccination was not included in mandatory vaccinations.
• Now: HPV vaccination has become part of the vaccination schedule and is recommended as 1 dose for girls aged 12–13.

This step will help reduce the risk of developing oncological diseases, particularly cervical cancer. Vaccination is carried out using the “Gardasil 9” vaccine, which effectively protects against 9 types of the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. This significantly reduces the risk of cancer in the future.

Hepatitis B vaccination

• Before: The first vaccination was administered within the first 24 hours of life, then at 2 and 6 months.
• Now: Vaccination is carried out according to a new scheme: the first dose at 2 months, followed by doses at 4, 6, and 18 months.

This change allows the use of modern combination vaccines against several infectious diseases at once (DTaP + Hib + HBV). As a result, the number of injections is reduced and fewer visits to medical facilities are required, making the vaccination process more comfortable and effective.

Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination (MMR)

• Before: Vaccination was given at 1 year and 6 years of age.
• Now: Vaccination is carried out at 1 year and 4 years of age.

This helps prevent severe complications and the spread of diseases among children, increasing herd immunity.

Tuberculosis vaccination (BCG)

• Before: BCG vaccination was administered in the maternity hospital on days 3–5 of life.
• Now: BCG vaccination remains mandatory in the maternity hospital, with clarification: if a child did not receive BCG in the maternity hospital, it can be administered up to 7 months of age.

It is also important to note that in the absence of a Mantoux test (if there has been no known contact with tuberculosis patients), vaccination can be carried out without this test.

Poliomyelitis vaccination (IPV)

• Before: Vaccination was carried out using a combined OPV/IPV scheme (oral and inactivated polio vaccines) at different ages.
• Now: A complete transition to the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is being implemented. It will be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months, and at 6 years of age.

The vaccine does not contain live virus and therefore cannot cause vaccine-associated poliomyelitis, which is a risk with OPV. IPV provides reliable protection without the risk of viral mutation, making it safer for children with weakened immune systems.

Hib infection vaccination (Haemophilus influenzae type b)

• Before: Vaccination was administered at 2, 4, and 12 months (3 doses).
• Now: Hib vaccination is administered at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months (4 doses).

This update further reduces the risk of serious complications such as meningitis or pneumonia. Increasing the number of doses improves herd immunity and ensures longer-lasting protection.

How has the vaccination schedule changed?

The updated schedule includes several timing changes for different age groups. Parents are encouraged to review key vaccination dates, especially for children under 18 months, as most vaccinations occur during this period.

Source: National Immunization Portal

Below is the vaccination schedule for 2026.

This schedule provides clear recommendations for vaccination timing for children and adults, helping reduce missed vaccines and improve overall immunization coverage.

How to vaccinate children: pediatrician’s advice

It is important to consult your pediatrician for guidance and a vaccination plan. If some vaccinations were missed or administered according to the old schedule, they can be safely caught up. Pediatrician Iryna Mykolaivna Plitkina advises:

After receiving a new vaccine, the child should remain under pediatric supervision for several hours to avoid allergic reactions.

If you are unsure about your child’s immunization status or do not know when vaccinations should be administered, consult a pediatrician to create an individual vaccination schedule.

How will the new vaccination schedule make immunization more effective?

The updated 2026 vaccination schedule will significantly improve vaccination effectiveness and safety. Key benefits include:

A clearer and more convenient vaccination schedule
The new system reduces the number of visits to medical facilities and allows parents to plan vaccinations more easily, minimizing missed doses and aligning Ukraine’s schedule with international standards.

Improved safety through the transition to IPV
Switching from OPV to IPV reduces the risk of vaccine-associated poliomyelitis and is safer for immunocompromised children.

Earlier protection against measles, mumps, and rubella
Vaccination at 1 and 4 years strengthens immunity earlier and improves herd immunity in kindergartens and schools.

Fewer injections thanks to combination vaccines
Combination vaccines reduce the number of injections and clinic visits while providing protection against multiple diseases at once.

HPV vaccination to prevent cancer
HPV vaccination is now mandatory for girls aged 12–13, reducing the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

Why is this beneficial for parents?

The updated 2026 schedule improves both effectiveness and convenience:

• Fewer doctor visits

• Fewer injections and less stress for children

• Greater safety with modern vaccines

• Long-term cancer prevention

• A clear and easy-to-follow schedule

What if some vaccinations were missed or given under the old schedule?

Don’t worry — all missed vaccinations can be caught up. A pediatrician will develop an individual vaccination plan based on the child’s age and the updated schedule. Accelerated schemes or combination vaccines may be recommended.

Do not delay — book a pediatric consultation and ensure your child has the correct vaccination schedule today.