Childhood Vaccination Programme

The childhood vaccination programme protects babies and children from serious infectious diseases that can cause long-term illness, disability, or death. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your child’s health and is a key part of improving population health and preventing disease across Scotland. Since routine vaccination programmes were introduced, many serious diseases that once caused widespread illness and death are now rare in the UK. In Scotland, children are offered a range of routine vaccinations from birth through early childhood. 

Vaccines help your child’s immune system learn how to fight infections quickly and safely. Many of the diseases we vaccinate against can spread easily and lead to complications such as hospitalisation or long-term health problems.

What vaccinations your child will receive

Children are offered vaccines at key stages from infancy onwards. These are carefully timed to give the best possible protection when your child is most at risk.

The exact schedule is based on national clinical advice and is regularly updated to reflect the latest evidence.

Routine Childhood Schedule 

*These changes reflect the updates to the schedule from 1 January 2026. Changes from 1 July 2025 included removal of the Hib/Men C vaccine and different timings of the MenB and pneumococcal vaccines. If your child was born before 30 June 2024, visit nhsinform.scot/immunisation to check their vaccination journey.

Seasonal Flu Programme

In addition to the routine vaccination programme, we offer a seasonal flu programme between September – March each year.

Eligible Children: 

• Children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months and older (not yet in school)
• All children aged 2 years and older (not yet in school)

Invitations: The vaccination team will contact you directly by letter to invite you to attend an appointment. If you believe your child is eligible but hasn’t been invited by November, please contact the vaccination enquiries line here. 

What to expect at your appointment 

Your child will usually be invited to a vaccination appointment at a local clinic. Click here for a link to the clinics in Grampian

At the appointment: 

• You will have the opportunity to ask questions

• A trained vaccinator will explain the vaccines being offered

• Your child will receive their vaccination safely and quickly

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, but most are mild and short-lived. Most children tolerate vaccinations very well. Some may experience mild side effects such as a sore arm, mild fever or irritability – these are normal and usually settle quickly.  Parents are advised on what to look out for and when to seek medical advice.

Is vaccination safe?  

Yes. All vaccines used in the UK childhood programme are carefully tested and monitored for safety and effectiveness. All vaccines used in the UK undergo rigorous safety testing before being licensed and continue to be carefully monitored.

The UK childhood vaccination programme is informed by advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI is an independent group of scientific and clinical experts who advise UK governments on which vaccines should be offered, the best ages to give them, and their safety and effectiveness.  Our programme follows national guidance and is regularly reviewed to make sure children receive safe and effective protection at the right time in their development.

Making an informed choice 

We understand that parents and carers may have questions about vaccination. It’s important you feel confident and informed when making decisions for your child.

You can: 

• Speak to your vaccinator or health visitor

• Access trusted NHS and Public Health Scotland information

• Discuss any concerns before your appointment

You will always be supported to make the right decision for your child.

Understanding your child’s vaccine history 

To access your child’s vaccination records, you should first check your child’s red book.

If you don’t have a red book, or it has gone missing, please contact your GP. Your GP holds all your vaccination information in your medical records, and you can request a copy of your vaccination record from your GP.

If you have questions or need support 

If you have any questions about your child’s vaccinations or need help about attending or rescheduling an appointment, please get in touch with your local vaccination team.

Our Grampian vaccination enquiries line can be contacted on 01224 555333 (Monday to Friday 08:30-16:40) or by email at gram.vaccineenquiries@nhs.scot 

Useful links 

• Protect your child from serious diseases (Public Health Scotland) This publication is also available in alternative languages, easy read, British Sign Language (BSL) and audio.  
• What to expect after vaccination – You can also find more information in the ‘What to Expect After Immunisation’ leaflet. This publication is also available in alternative languages, British Sign Language (BSL) and audio. 
• NHS inform – Childhood immunisations