JCVI advises changes to childhood vaccinations in Scotland

Following a detailed review by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the UK’s independent expert group on vaccines, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to make some changes to Scotland’s childhood vaccination programme.

The changes, which will begin from July 2025, are based on the latest scientific evidence and are designed to maintain high levels of protection for our children. 

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, said:

“Getting babies and children vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases that could, otherwise, lead to serious illness and complications. Scotland has a relatively high uptake in childhood vaccinations and the free childhood vaccination programme has been helping to prevent suffering and save lives for decades.

“The new changes will help to optimise Scotland’s childhood vaccination programme, ensuring that children continue to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Parents and carers will receive appointment invitations from local NHS immunisation teams and are encouraged to look out for them and bring their children for vaccination as scheduled.

Where to find more information:

Read the full JCVI advice for more information about the recommended changes.

Parents and carers who want to know more about the current vaccination schedule should visit NHS Inform.