Our childhood teams deliver all vaccinations to children 0-6yrs, primary and secondary school children. This covers the age range of 0-18 years.
Babies and children age 0-6 will be appointed, with parents/carers receiving an appointment letter through the post, to attend your GP practice for your child’s vaccinations. The appointment letter will also provide a telephone number for parents/carers to contact if they need to rearrange their child’s appointment.
Changes to childhood vaccination schedule
From July 1, 2025, the UK childhood vaccination schedule is being updated.
Key changes include:
- the removal of the Hib/MenC (Menitorix®) vaccine at 12 months
- adjustments to the timing of meningitis B (MenB) and pneumococcal (PCV) vaccines
- the introduction of a new 18-month appointment for a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Phase 1 (from 1 July 2025)
- MenB and PCV: The second dose of MenB vaccine will be moved from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, while the first dose of PCV vaccine will move from 12 weeks to 16 weeks.
- Selective Neonatal Hepatitis B programme: The monovalent hepatitis B vaccine dose at one year will be discontinued for children in this program.
Changes to the one-year appointment:
- Hib/MenC (Menitorix®): The combined Hib/MenC vaccine, given at the one-year appointment, is being discontinued.
Phase 2 (from 1 January 2026)
Introduction of a new 18-month appointment:
- A new 18-month appointment will be introduced for a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB).
- This fourth dose will replace the Hib component of the previously given Hib/MenC vaccine.
- The second dose of MMR vaccine will be moved from 3 years 4 months to 18 months at this appointment.
Why the childhood vaccination schedule is changing
Rationale for the changes:
- The Hib/MenC vaccine is being discontinued because the sole brand, Menitorix®, is no longer produced and stocks are being depleted.
- Adjusting the timing of the MenB and PCV vaccines is intended to provide better protection against MenB during the period when most cases occur (1-3 months).
- The fourth 6-in-1 dose at 18 months ensures continued strong immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, and Hib.
- Moving the second MMR dose to 18 months is hoped will improve uptake and reduce measles outbreaks.
Parents who have questions about the changes can speak to their health visitor or a member of the local childhood immunisation team.
How vaccinations are offered
Primary and secondary school children will be vaccinated in school.
Children will be provided with a consent form for their parent/carer to complete and return, along with information on the vaccinations their child is being offered.
If a child is off sick on the day of their vaccination(s), the team will ensure that your child is included in future vaccination offers during their school life. Depending on the vaccination(s) being given, this may be within the next school term or the following academic year.
Further information on childhood vaccinations is available online here: Vaccination schedule – Immunisations in Scotland | NHS inform
Find out more information on when children will be provided with their school vaccination information packs for Flu, DTP and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccines and HPV below.