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 January 1st, 2026, the UK childhood vaccination schedule was updated.
Key changes include:
- the introduction of a new 18-month appointment for a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine
- Removal of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine and replacement of MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) vaccine
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
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 removed in July 25
- The second dose of MMRV 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 fourth 6-in-1 dose at 18 months ensures continued strong immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, and Hib.
- MMRV introduced on recommendation from JCVI (Joint committee on Vaccination and Immunisation). Chickenpox can be very unpleasant for healthy children, but it can also be more serious for neonates, pregnant women and the immunosuppressed. Shingles is a reactivation of the same virus.
- Moving the second MMRV 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
PPrimary 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.