Childhood vaccination programme

There has been a delay and the inclusion of inaccurate information in letters about routine childhood vaccination appointments. This followed changes to the childhood vaccination schedule introduced on 1 January 2026, including the introduction of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine at 12 months and a new vaccination appointment at 18 months.

What is the issue?

Some letters for 12 months and 18 months appointments due from the week beginning 5 January 2026 were not issued on time.

A number of letters issued include incorrect or incomplete information regarding vaccinations at 12 months, 18 months and 3 years 4 months.

These include some letters which:

• refer to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine instead of the MMRV vaccine
• omit the fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine or the 4-in-1 vaccine

All other childhood vaccinations are being scheduled correctly and in accordance with the UK childhood immunisation programme. Adult immunisation programmes are also unaffected.

Scotland has excellent overall vaccine uptake, which limits the spread of vaccine preventable infections in the community, and means the risk of these delays is likely to be low.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank families for their patience while this issue is resolved.

What is being done to resolve the issue?

We are working with Public Health Scotland (PHS), NHS Boards and Scottish Government to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency. As part of this, we will look to implement measures to avoid this happening again in the future.

What does this mean for parents and carers?

If you have received a letter for your child’s appointment, please attend as planned. Vaccinators will ensure your child is offered the correct vaccines they are eligible for and a discussion will take place prior to vaccination to ensure there is clarity and to agree consent.

If your child turned 12 or 18 months old on or after 1 January 2026 and you haven’t yet received an appointment letter, please wait for your letter to arrive. Every effort is being made to minimise any delay to your child being vaccinated.

Helpline

A helpline has been set up for any parents or carers who have concerns and would like to speak to someone – call on 0345 034 2460 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). The helpline will be available from 12noon on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

Updates

We will provide updates as they become available and they will be added below this news article. Please check back regularly.

Further information

More information about the childhood immunisation programme is available at nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforchildren