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Meningitis

UKHSA are currently managing an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis centred on Canterbury and Kent University. The outbreak has been confirmed to have been caused by a group B strain of the meningococcal bacteria, but it is currently unknown whether this is one of the group B strains included in available Men B vaccinations. At this stage, there is no evidence of wider community transmission beyond identified contact groups, and no cases linked to Scotland.

We are aware that as a result of the media attention on the outbreak, GP surgeries will be receiving queries from patients and parents, in particular with queries relating to meningitis vaccinations. We have updated this page to help address this.

Symptoms develop suddenly and can include:

a high temparature (fever)
being sick
a headache
a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
a stiff neck
a dislike of bright lights
drowsiness or unrespnsiveness
seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear.

Carousel banner graphic which lists the symptoms of meningitis which include a high temperature, being sick a headache, a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness and seizures (fits)

NHS Vaccination schedule

The NHS inform pages include the vaccination schedules for children and young people. This includes the following meningitis vaccinations:

the Men B vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 12 months
the MenACWY vaccination during the S3 school year (aged 13 or 14)

The MenB vaccination is offered to children under 2 who may have missed appointments in their first year, but is not available on the NHS for children over 2. Young people aged up to 25 are eligible to catch up on the MenACWY vaccination if they have missed this.

How can I check what vaccines my child has had?

The Public Health Department do not hold vaccine records. The first step to checking your child’s vaccination history would be to look at their Red Book, but if you do not

have this, then you should ask your health visitor (for children under 5) or your child’s GP who can contact Child Health to request your child’s vaccination records.

Can I get a vaccine for MenB on the NHS?

The MenB vaccine is part of the routine NHS childhood immunisation programme and is offered to infants. Those under the age of 2 who have missed a Men B vaccine, are eligible for this in a catch-up form. For older children, teenagers, and adults, the MenB vaccine is not routinely offered on the NHS. There are a number of private providers available who will be able to administer Men B vaccine. You will understand that we cannot recommend any one private provider over another.

What about MenACVWY vaccination?

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. This vaccination is routinely offered in the UK to school pupils aged 13 or 14, but students and young adults who have not previously had the MenACWY vaccine may be eligible to receive it up to age 25. If anyone eligible has missed their Men ACWY vaccination, their GP can make a referral for this.

Additionally, for students attending universities in Glasgow, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Immunisations team run clinics on campus at the start of term offering vaccinations for eligible students who might have missed these.

My teenage child has never had a meningitis vaccine – can they get one?

Children aged 13 or 14 will be offered the MenACWY vaccination as part of the national routine schedule. Children who have missed this can catch up by being referred via their GP.

Why immunise?

The development of effective vaccines has led to a huge decrease in childhood deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) states: ‘The 2 public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines.’

Benefits for you

As children develop they’re exposed to many risks, one of these risks being infections. Most of these will cause mild illnesses. However, despite great medical advances, infection can still cause severe illness, disability and, at times, death.

Before vaccines were available, many children in the UK died from diseases such as whooping cough, measles and polio. Despite successful immunisation programmes, the diseases that vaccines protect against do still exist.

The benefit of immunisation is that your child has the best possible protection against dangerous diseases. This can give you peace of mind.

Changes to childhood vaccinations – from 1st of July 2025

What parents and caregivers need to know

Experts regularly review the vaccination programme to make sure it gives children the best protection. New research and changes in vaccine supply mean the vaccination schedule in Scotland has changed.

If your baby was born on or before the 30^th of June 2024, they will already be mid-vaccine schedule and will remain on that schedule until it is complete. There is no action required from you and your baby will be invited for these vaccinations when the time approaches.

If your baby was born on or before the 30^th of June 2024, they will continue to follow this schedule.

12-13 months – HibMenC, Pneumococcal, MMR, MenB
3 years 4 months – Four-in-one, MMR
From 2 years old – Flu

The following changes came into place on the 1^st of July 2025.

8 weeks – Six-in-one, Rotavirus, MenB
12 weeks – Six-in-one, Rotavirus, MenB
16 weeks – Six-in-one, Pneumococcal

12-13 months – MenB, Pneumococcal, MMR
18 months – Six-in-one, MMR
3 years 4 months – Four-in-one

If your child turned one year of age on or after 1 July 2025 (DOB on or after 1 July 2024), they will pick up on this schedule from here:

12-13 months – MenB, Pneumococcal, MMR
18 months – Six-in-one, MMR
3 years 4 months – Four-in-one

What’s changing?
Some vaccines will now be given at different times, and a new appointment will be added when your child is 18 months old.

Who decides this?
The changes are based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – a group of independent experts who guide the UK and Scottish vaccination programmes.

What happens next?
There is no action required from you. You’ll be given clear information when it’s time for your child’s next vaccinations.

Why is this important?
Vaccines are the best way to protect your child from serious illnesses. These updates help make sure the programme stays safe, effective, and up to date.

Changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule

Changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule from 1 July 2025 and 1 January 2026

Changes to be implemented

Phase 1 (from 1 July 2025)

MenB vaccination will now be offered from 12 weeks (previously 16 weeks).

Following a recent clinical study and a review of the epidemiology, the JCVI has advised bringing forward the second dose of the MenB vaccine to provide earlier protection against this serious and sometimes fatal infection.
Meningococcal serogroup B is responsible for the majority of UK invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases. Since the introduction of the routine MenB vaccination programme, peak age of infection has shifted from 5 to 6 months to 1 to 3 months of age. A substantial proportion of cases were occurring before infants gained protection from their second dose of vaccine given at 16 weeks. The change in epidemiology of IMD means it would be beneficial to move the second dose of MenB vaccine to 12 weeks of age to provide earlier protection.
Although previously an 8-week interval between doses of MenB vaccine was recommended, evidence from a recent study showed a good response was made when the 2 doses were given 4 weeks apart.

Pneumococcal vaccination will now be offered from 16 weeks (previously 12 weeks).

To avoid increasing the number of injections at the 12-week appointment, the first dose of the pneumococcal vaccine will be moved to the 16-week appointment.
The change is unlikely to be clinically significant.

The Hib/MenC vaccine (Menitorix) will no longer be available.

The manufacturer has ceased production of Menitorix vaccine. There is no other Hib/MenC vaccine available on the UK market.
Children turning one year of age on or after 1 July 2025 (date of birth on or after 1 July 2024) will not have received the combined Hib-MenC vaccine (Menitorix) when they are invited for their 12-month vaccination appointment (they should still receive the other vaccines due at that age). These children should be offered a new 18-month routine vaccination appointment (starting from 1 January 2026) for a 4th dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (hexavalent)) vaccine, given alongside the second dose of MMR.
The JCVI has agreed that protection against MenC is no longer required in this age group due to the high uptake of vaccination in the secondary school programme. Sustaining high uptake of the MenACWY vaccine, currently offered to S3 pupils, is important to maintain indirect protection.

Phase 2 (from 1 January 2026)

From January 2026, the MMRV vaccine will be offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. It replaces the MMR vaccine.

The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). These are serious diseases that can be life-threatening.

Measles is a very infectious virus. It spreads easily though the air when people with the virus cough or sneeze. It can cause serious health complications, like pneumonia and encephalitis. In very serious cases, measles can be life-threatening.

Mumps is caused by a virus. It can cause permanent deafness, viral meningitis, and encephalitis. Mumps spreads through the air when people with the virus cough or sneeze, and is very infectious.

Rubella is caused by a virus. If caught in pregnancy, it can cause a miscarriage or affect the unborn baby. It can cause a condition called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which damages a baby’s sight, hearing, heart and brain. Rubella is spread through the air when people with the virus cough or sneeze, and is very infectious.

Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. Varicella is spread through direct contact with someone who is infected.

Who can get the MMRV vaccine

The MMRV vaccine is offered to children as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. When your child will be offered the vaccine depends on when they were born.

If your child was born on or after 1 January 2025

If your child was born on or after 1 January 2025, they’ll be offered 1 dose of the MMRV vaccine at both:

12 to 13 months
18 months

If your child was born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024

If your child was born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024, they’ll be offered a dose of the MMRV vaccine at:

18 months
3 years 4 months

If your child was born before 30 June 2024

If your child was born before 30 June 2024, they’ll be offered a dose of the MMRV vaccine at 3 years 4 months.

Introduction of a new 18-month appointment where the additional 6-in-1 (4th dose) vaccine will be offered.

To replace the Hib dose, an additional dose of the 6-in-1 ((DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (hexavalent)) vaccine will be offered at a new routine appointment at 18 months.
Children turning one year of age on or after 1 July 2025 (date of birth on or after 1 July 2024) will not have received the combined Hib-MenC vaccine (Menitorix) when they are invited for their 12-month vaccination appointment (they should still have received the other vaccines due at that age). These children should be offered a new 18-month routine vaccination appointment (starting from 1 January 2026) for a 4th dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (hexavalent)) vaccine, given alongside the second dose of MMR.

The second dose of MMRV will be brought forward from the 3-year 4-month appointment to the new 18-month appointment.

The second MMRV dose is being moved forward in the schedule to provide earlier protection and, hopefully, help to improve uptake. Research showed moving the second dose of MMR forward in London led to higher uptake.

Queries about scheduling

My children are different ages, will they be on different schedules?

Yes your children might be on different schedules as the schedule children follow is dependent on their date of birth. When changes to vaccination programmes happen, they must be rolled out on a phased basis to ensure NHS immunisation teams are able to deliver the vaccines effectively alongside other programmes. Changes to programmes are based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). These decisions are based on several factors, including the risk of the disease and the effectiveness of the vaccine.

If I delay my child’s vaccines, will they change schedules?

The schedule your child follows is dependent on their date of birth not when they attend for vaccination. Do not delay getting your child vaccinated – they will not change schedules. It’s important that vaccines are given on time to make sure your child has the best protection possible. Delaying or missing vaccine doses can put your child at risk of serious diseases and getting vaccines when they are due is the best way to protect your child.

Changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule from 1 July 2025 and 1 January 2026 letter – GOV.UK

Pre-School Children

The 6-in-1 Vaccine

Overview

The 6-in-1 vaccine, also commonly known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB vaccine, helps protect your child against:

What’s pertussis (whooping cough)?

Whooping cough is a disease that can cause long bouts of coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe. Whooping cough can last for up to 10 weeks.

Babies under one year old are most at risk from whooping cough. For these babies, the disease is very serious and can kill. It’s not usually as serious in older children. Before the pertussis vaccine was introduced, on average 120,000 cases of whooping cough were reported each year in the UK.

More about whooping cough

What’s diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems.

It can damage the heart and nervous system and, in severe cases, can kill. Before the diphtheria vaccine was introduced in the UK, there were up to 70,000 cases of diphtheria a year, causing around 5,000 deaths.

What’s tetanus?

Tetanus is a disease affecting the nervous system that can lead to muscle spasms, cause breathing problems and even kill. It’s caused when germs that are found in soil and manure get into the body through open cuts or burns.

Tetanus can’t be passed from person to person.

More about tetanus

What’s polio?

Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis of the muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill.

Before the polio vaccine was introduced, there were as many as 8,000 cases in the UK during the polio epidemic. Because of the continued success of the polio vaccination, there have been no cases of paralytic polio in the UK for nearly 40 years (the last case was in 1984). Polio remains a threat with poliovirus traces found in London sewage in early 2022.

Being fully vaccinated is the best way to protect against becoming ill from polio. It’s important to make sure you and your child are up to date with your vaccines.

More about polio

What’s Hib?

Hib is an infection caused by haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. It can lead to a number of major illnesses such as blood poisoning (septicaemia), pneumonia and meningitis. The illnesses caused by Hib can kill if they’re not treated quickly. Before the Hib vaccine was introduced, there were about 800 cases of Hib in young children every year in the UK.

The Hib vaccine only protects your baby against the type of meningitis caused by the haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria – it doesn’t protect against any other type of meningitis.

More about haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

What’s hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B (HepB) is a virus that infects the liver. Many people with HepB infection have no symptoms and don’t know they’re infected. Others have flu-like symptoms and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).

In children, HepB can persist for years and may eventually cause serious liver damage.

More about hepatitis B

Why should my baby be vaccinated?

Babies can catch these serious diseases from birth, so it’s important to protect them as soon as possible.

When will my baby be immunised?

All babies are eligible for the vaccine free on the NHS.

Your baby will be offered the 6-in-1 vaccine around 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Your local NHS immunisation team will contact you to let you know about their arrangements for your baby’s routine childhood immunisations.

Most NHS immunisation teams run special immunisation baby clinics. If you can’t get to the clinic, contact your local NHS immunisation team to make another appointment.

Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine

Overview

The meningitis B (MenB) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal bacteria B.

What’s meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This causes pressure on the brain resulting in symptoms like:

severe headache
stiff neck
dislike of bright light
drowsiness
convulsions/fits

Meningitis can progress very rapidly and can lead to:

deafness
blindness
epilepsy
learning difficulties

It can even lead to death.

More about meningitis

What’s septicaemia (blood poisoning)?

Septicaemia (blood poisoning) is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly. The risk of death is higher compared to meningitis.

The signs of cold hands and feet, pale skin, vomiting and being very sleepy or difficult to wake can come on quickly.

More about meningitis and septicaemia

Charlotte’s story: meningococcal septicaemia (MenB)

Charlotte developed septicaemia (serious blood poisoning) through type B meningococcal disease (MenB) in 2010, before the MenB vaccine was introduced in the UK. Her mother Jenny talks about the impact on Charlotte and the rest of her family.

How common is type B meningoccocal disease?

MenB is now the cause of most cases of meningococcal disease in Scotland. Although this infection isn’t common, MenB is extremely serious and can lead to permanent disability and death. The meningococcal bacteria can also cause local outbreaks in nurseries, schools and universities.

Why should a baby be vaccinated?

MenB infection is most common in babies and young children. This is because their immune systems aren’t yet fully developed to fight off infection. The highest number of cases are in babies around 5 months of age. This is why the first immunisations are offered to babies younger than this and have to be given at 2 and 4 months of age.

This vaccine helps protect babies against MenB, There are other vaccines, like MenC, that protect against some other types of meningococcal infections.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

The MenB vaccine is routinely offered to all babies at 8, 16 weeks, and 12 to 13 months.

When will a baby be immunised?

The MenB vaccine has been part of the routine childhood immunisation programme in Scotland since 1 September 2015. Your local NHS immunisation team will send you an appointment to bring your child in for their routine childhood immunisations.

Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine when they come in for their other routine immunisations at 8, 16 weeks and 12 to 13 months.

Find out how to contact your local NHS immunisation team regarding your vaccination appointment

If a baby is due their MenB vaccine, please ask your pharmacist about paracetamol for them. Fever can be expected after any vaccine but is more common when the MenB vaccine is given with the other routine immunisations at 8 and 16 weeks of age. This is why it’s recommended that babies gets infant paracetamol when getting these immunisations to prevent and treat fever.

Rotavirus vaccine

Overview

The rotavirus vaccine helps protect babies against rotavirus.

What’s rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a virus that infects the gut (tummy), causing severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Most babies get sick (vomit) or have diarrhoea at some time and recover fully after a few days. However, sickness and diarrhoea caused by rotavirus can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids). Dehydration can be very dangerous for babies and young children and can require hospital treatment.

Before the vaccine was introduced in 2013, around 1200 babies in Scotland had to go to hospital every year with rotavirus.

Why should a baby be vaccinated?

The rotavirus immunisation protects a baby against this illness.

The most important thing you can do is have the baby immunised against rotavirus, as part of the Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme in Scotland.

In countries where babies already get the rotavirus vaccine there’s been a big drop in the number of babies and young children going to hospital because of the virus.

With lots of younger babies having the immunisation the chances of it spreading are reduced. Rotavirus causes fewer problems in older children, and it’s rare in adults.

When will a baby be immunised?

The rotavirus immunisation is offered to all babies in Scotland.

The rotavirus vaccine is normally given with the baby’s other routine immunisations at 8 weeks and again at 12 weeks of age. Your local NHS immunisation team will invite you for the vaccination, so there’s no need to book an appointment.

Pneumococcal vaccine for babies

Overview

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against illnesses and conditions caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

What illnesses and conditions are caused by pneumococcal bacteria?

Pneumococcal infection is caused by pneumococcal bacteria. It can cause serious illness such as pneumonia, and is one of the most common causes of meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain).

Pneumococcal infection can cause:

bronchitis
ear and sinus infections
a life-threatening infection of the blood (septicaemia)
meningitis
pneumonia (which can also be life-threatening).

Children under 2 years of age and children with certain health conditions have a higher chance of becoming unwell with pneumococcal infection.

How common are pneumococcal bacteria?

Up to 60% of children carry pneumococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. They constantly pass these bacteria around by coughing, sneezing and close contact.

Why should a baby be vaccinated?

The pneumococcal vaccine provides some protection against meningitis caused by pneumococcal infection, and against other conditions such as severe ear infections and pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

This vaccine doesn’t protect against meningitis caused by other bacteria or viruses.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

Some children are at an increased risk from pneumococcal infection. All at risk children will be offered the vaccine according to the routine childhood immunisation programme. If you aren’t sure about your child’s health or need further advice, speak to your health professional.

When will a baby be immunised?

If a baby is eligible, they will be offered the pneumococcal vaccine when they’re 12 weeks old, with a booster dose given between 12 and 13 months. The pneumococcal booster dose between 12 and 13 months is usually given at the same time as the Hib/MenC, MMR and MenB vaccines.

In addition to this some children and adults aged from 2 to 64 years old, who are at a higher risk of developing a pneumococcal infection than the general population, will be offered additional pneumococcal vaccinations.

Your local NHS immunisation team will contact you to let you know about their arrangements for the baby’s routine childhood immunisations.

Hib Men C

Overview

The Hib/MenC vaccine helps protect a child against 2 of the causes of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). This vaccine will help protect the child through early childhood.

What is Hib?

Hib is an infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. It can lead to a number of major illnesses such as septicaemia (blood poisoning), pneumonia and meningitis.

More about Haemophilus influenzae type b

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This causes pressure on the brain resulting in symptoms like:

severe headache
stiff neck
dislike of bright light
drowsiness
convulsions/fits

Meningitis can progress very rapidly and can lead to:

deafness
blindness
epilepsy
learning difficulties

It can even lead to death.

More about meningitis

What is septicaemia?

Septicaemia (blood poisoning) is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly. The risk of death is higher than with meningitis.

The signs of cold hands and feet, pale skin, vomiting and being very sleepy or difficult to wake can come on quickly.

More about septicaemia

Why should a baby be vaccinated?

A child will be offered a dose of the combined Hib/MenC vaccine between 12 and 13 months of age to:

boost their protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
help protect against meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal group C (MenC) bacteria

The Hib/MenC vaccine doesn’t protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by:

meningococcal group B bacteria
other bacteria or viruses such as pneumococcal or mumps

When will a baby be immunised?

A baby will be offered the Hib/MenC vaccine at 12 to 13 months. Your local NHS immunisation team will contact you to let you know about their arrangements for the baby’s routine childhood immunisations.

Most NHS immunisation teams run special immunisation baby clinics. If you cannot attend your appointment contact your NHS immunisation team to make another.

Find out how to contact your NHS immunisation team regarding the baby’s vaccination appointment

MMR

The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses and helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella. Find out more about the vaccine, and when and where to get it.

Why should someone have the MMR vaccination?

The MMR vaccine helps to protect people against measles, mumps and rubella. It’s sometimes also offered to adults who missed their childhood immunisations.

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious diseases. They can cause serious medical complications.

A high number of people in Scotland have had the MMR vaccine. This means there’s been a big reduction in the number of people catching these diseases.

Who is eligible for the MMR vaccine?

All babies and children in Scotland are eligible for the MMR vaccine.

They’ll be offered the MMR vaccine in 2 doses:

the first between 12 and 13 months
the second at 3 years 4 months

Although normally given at these times, if it’s missed, it can be given at any age.

Some young people and adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine may also be eligible, like those who are a planning a pregnancy. If you didn’t have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine as a child, you can contact your local NHS immunisation team to discuss your eligibility.

The 4-in-1 Vaccine

Overview

The 4-in-1 vaccine, also known as the DTaP/IPV or dTaP/IPV vaccine, helps protect your child against:

What’s pertussis (whooping cough)?

Whooping cough is a disease that can cause long bouts of coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe. Whooping cough can last for up to 10 weeks.

Babies under one year are most at risk from whooping cough. For these babies, the disease is very serious and can kill. It’s not usually as serious in older children.

Whooping cough germs can be spread from person to person through close contact.

More about whooping cough

What’s diphtheria?

Diphtheria’s a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems. It can damage the heart and nervous system and, in severe cases, can kill.

Diphtheria germs are spread from person to person through close contact.

What’s tetanus?

Tetanus is a disease affecting the nervous system that can lead to muscle spasms, cause breathing problems and even kill.

It’s caused when germs found in soil and manure get into the body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus can’t be passed from person to person.

More about tetanus

What’s polio?

Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis of the muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or brain, polio can kill.

The polio virus is usually spread from person to person, or by swallowing contaminated food or water.

Before the polio vaccine was introduced, there were as many as 8,000 cases in the UK during the polio epidemic. Because of the continued success of the polio vaccination, there have been no cases of paralytic polio in the UK for nearly 40 years (the last case was in 1984). Polio remains a threat with poliovirus traces found in London sewage in early 2022.

Being fully vaccinated is the best way to protect against becoming ill from polio. It’s important to make sure you and your child are up to date with your vaccines.

More about polio

Why should my child be vaccinated?

The vaccine boosts the immunisations that were given to your child at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age – boosting protection against pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

This vaccine’s offered to children aged over 3 years 4 months at the same time as they are offered the MMR vaccine. It’s also used for a primary course of immunisation in children over 10 years old and adults.

When will my child be immunised?

Your child will be offered the 4-in-1 vaccine at around 3 years and 4 months. Your local NHS immunisation team will contact you to let you know about their arrangements for your child’s routine childhood immunisations.

Most NHS immunisation teams run special immunisation clinics. If you can’t get to the clinic, contact your local NHS immunisation team to make another appointment.

Young people in Secondary School/not in mainstream education

HPV Vaccine – S1 to S6

What the HPV vaccine is for

Immunisation (vaccination) information in other languages

Evidence shows the HPV vaccine helps protect people from HPV-related cancers. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is offered to every S1 pupil in Scotland.

Getting the vaccine now protects you against future risks. HPV can lead to cancers like:

head and neck cancers
cervical cancer
anogenital cancers – for example, anal, penile (penis) cancer, cancer of the vagina, and cancer of the vulva

The HPV vaccine also protects you against over 90% of genital wart infections.

Who can get the HPV vaccine

Every person in Scotland aged 11-13 will be offered the HPV vaccine free of charge.

You should not have some vaccines if you’ve had a confirmed serious (anaphylactic) reaction to:

a previous vaccine
any ingredient of the vaccine

About the HPV vaccine

The GARDASIL 9 vaccine is used in Scotland.

Gardasil 9 helps protect against 9 types of HPV.

The vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are the cause of most cervical cancers in the UK (more than 80%). The vaccine also protects against types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, which cause an additional 15% of cervical cancers.

The vaccine also protects against 2 other types of HPV. These cause around 90% of cases of genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is not a live vaccine. It cannot cause HPV.

The vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against HPV.

How to get the HPV vaccine

You’ll be offered the HPV vaccine as part of the school-based immunisation programme. Vaccines are given by your local NHS immunisation team.

Your school will tell you when vaccination sessions are taking place.

Find out more about the vaccinations you’ll be offered at school

If you have any questions on the day, you can speak to the person giving you the vaccine.

If you missed your vaccination and you’re still at school

If you miss your HPV vaccination, there will be further opportunities to get it. For example, you may be offered a rescheduled vaccination appointment next year.

If you’re unsure if you’ve missed any other vaccines, you should
first check your red book. If you do not have a red book, or it has gone missing, you can check with your local NHS immunisation team.

Young people not in mainstream education

You’re also eligible for the HPV vaccine if you’re:

educated at home
not in mainstream education

Please contact your local NHS immunisation team to arrange your appointment.

If your child is home schooled and has missed out on any vaccinations and you with them to be vaccinated. Then please ask your GP Practice to refer you to the Child Vaccination Team for this. On receipt of the referral the team will be in touch with you to arrange this.

If you’ve missed your vaccination and have now left school

If you’ve left school and you didn’t get your HPV vaccine when you were eligible, you may still be able to get it up until you turn 25.

This only applies to:

people who are currently eligible
boys who became eligible from the 2019/2020 academic year
girls under 25 who were eligible under routine and catch up programmes introduced in 2008

Your local NHS immunisation team can confirm if you’re eligible. They can also explain how to get the HPV vaccine in your area.

If you / your child does not attend school or has missed vaccinations given in school, please contact the School Team listed under FAQs ‘School Team Contact Details’.

The vaccine consent form

You should be given a consent form and leaflet by your school. You and your parent or carer should chat about the information. Both you and your parent or carer should sign the consent form and return it to your school. You should return the consent form even if you’re not going to have the vaccine.

We recommend you get agreement from your parent or carer, but it isn’t always necessary.

Get more information on young people’s right to consent

MMR Vaccine – S1 – S6

The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses and helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella. Find out more about the vaccine, and when and where to get it.

Why should someone have the MMR vaccination?

The MMR vaccine helps to protect people against measles, mumps and rubella. It’s sometimes also offered to adults who missed their childhood immunisations.

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious diseases. They can cause serious medical complications.

A high number of people in Scotland have had the MMR vaccine. This means there’s been a big reduction in the number of people catching these diseases.

Who is eligible for the MMR vaccine?

All babies and children in Scotland are eligible for the MMR vaccine.

They’ll be offered the MMR vaccine in 2 doses:

the first between 12 and 13 months
the second at 3 years 4 months

Although normally given at these times, if it’s missed, it can be given at any age.

Some young people and adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine may also be eligible, like those who are a planning a pregnancy. If you didn’t have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine as a child, you can contact your local NHS immunisation team to discuss your eligibility.

If you / your child does not attend school or has missed vaccinations given in school, please contact the School Team listed under FAQs ‘School Team Contact Details’.

If your child is home schooled and has missed out on any vaccinations and you with them to be vaccinated. Then please ask your GP Practice to refer you to the Child Vaccination Team for this. On receipt of the referral the team will be in touch with you to arrange this.

DTP Vaccine – S3 to S6

The DTP vaccine provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. The vaccine is usually given in S3 (around 14 years old). Find out when and where to get it.

What the DTP vaccine is for

Immunisation (vaccination) information in other languages and formats

The DTP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. These are serious diseases.

You need a total of 5 doses of the diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine to build up immunity and give you longer-term protection.

You should have had:

the first 3 doses as a baby
the fourth dose before you started primary school (after turning 3 years and 4 months)

You should have the fifth dose in S3 (around 14 years old).

What’s diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat. It can quickly cause breathing problems. It can also damage the heart and nervous system, and in severe cases, can kill. Diphtheria is passed from person to person through close contact.

Before the diphtheria vaccine was introduced in the UK, there were up to 70,000 cases of diphtheria a year. These caused around 5,000 deaths.

What’s tetanus?

Tetanus is a painful disease affecting the nervous system that can lead to:

muscle spasms
breathing problems
death

It’s caused by germs found in soil and manure getting into the body through open cuts or burns.

Tetanus can’t be passed from person to person.

Learn more about tetanus

What’s polio?

Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill. The polio virus is usually spread from person to person or by swallowing contaminated food or water.

Before the polio vaccine was introduced, there were as many as 8,000 cases in the UK during the polio epidemic.

More about polio

Who can get the DTP vaccine

All young people in S3 (around 14 years old) are eligible for the vaccination. This is part of their routine immunisation schedule.

If you were immunised as a child – The DTP vaccine completes the 5 dose course against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Although you’ve already had 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines, , you need a total of 5 to build up your immunity and provide longer-term protection.
Reasons you should not have the vaccine – here are very few young people who can’t have the DTP vaccine. You shouldn’t have the vaccine if you’ve had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to:
- a previous vaccine
- any ingredient of the vaccine
- neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B (antibiotics that may be added to vaccines in very tiny amounts)
If you have a bleeding disorder – If you have a bleeding disorder, tell the person giving you the vaccine. They’ll give the injection in a slightly different way that will be better for you.

About the DTP vaccine

The REVAXIS vaccine is routinely used in Scotland.

The DTP vaccine is not a live vaccine. It cannot cause the diseases it protects against.

The DTP vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against serious diseases.

How to get the DTP vaccine

You’ll be offered the DTP vaccine when you’re in S3 (around 14 years of age) at school. Vaccines are given by your local NHS immunisation team. Your school will tell you when vaccination sessions are taking place.

Find out more about the vaccinations you’ll be offered at school

If you have any questions on the day, you can speak to the person giving you the vaccine.

If you / your child does not attend school or has missed vaccinations given in school, please contact the School Team listed under FAQs ‘School Team Contact Details’.

If your child is home schooled and has missed out on any vaccinations and you with them to be vaccinated. Then please ask your GP Practice to refer you to the Child Vaccination Team for this. On receipt of the referral the team will be in touch with you to arrange this.

Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine – S3 to S6

The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Find out more about the MenACWY vaccine, and when and where to get it.

What the Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is for

Immunisation (vaccination) information in other languages and formats

The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which are caused by meningococcal bacteria A, C, W and Y.

Young people have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. You’ll be offered immunisation to protect yourself and others around you.

Meningitis and septicaemia are very serious diseases. They can cause permanent disability and death. The symptoms can come on quickly.

Who can get the MenACWY vaccine

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to all young people in S3 (around 14 years of age). If you’re over 14 and not already immunised, you may also be offered the vaccine.

You should not have some vaccines if you’ve had a confirmed anaphylactic shock (serious allergic reaction) to:

a previous vaccine
any ingredient of this vaccine

About the MenACWY vaccine

The following vaccines are routinely used in Scotland:

The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective at protecting against the serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria A, C, W and Y.

The MenACWY vaccine is not a live vaccine. It cannot cause meningitis.

The MenACWY vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against meningococcal A, C, W and Y.

How to get the MenACWY vaccine

Vaccines are given by your local NHS immunisation team. Your school will tell you when vaccination sessions are taking place.

Find out more about the vaccinations you’ll be offered at school

If you have any questions on the day, you can speak to the person giving you the vaccine.

If you missed your vaccination at school

If you missed your MenACWY vaccination, there will be further opportunities to get it. For example, you may be offered a rescheduled vaccination appointment next year.

If you’re unsure if you’ve missed any other vaccines, you should first check your red book. If you do not have a red book, or it has gone missing, you can check with your local NHS immunisation team

Young people not in mainstream education

You’re also eligible for the MenACWY vaccine if you’re:

educated at home
not in mainstream education

If you / your child does not attend school or has missed vaccinations given in school, please contact the School Team listed under FAQs ‘School Team Contact Details’.

If your child is home schooled and has missed out on any vaccinations and you with them to be vaccinated. Then please ask your GP Practice to refer you to the Child Vaccination Team for this. On receipt of the referral the team will be in touch with you to arrange this.

Students

You may be eligible for the MenACWY vaccination if you:

are Scottish and attending further education in Scotland
are aged up to 25 years old
have not had the MenACWY vaccination

You should contact your local NHS immunisation team. They’ll advise you if it’s clinically appropriate for you to have the vaccine.

You may not be eligible for the MenACWY vaccination if you’re from outside Scotland (including other parts of the UK). You should arrange to get your vaccine before travelling to Scotland. There’s no guarantee the vaccine will be available to you after arriving in Scotland.

Seasonal Vaccination

Pre-School 6 Months to 2 Years at Risk – Flu

NHS Scotland recommends eligible children should get the flu vaccine to help protect them from influenza (flu).

Flu (influenza) is a common infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache, and tiredness.

Why should I have my child vaccinated?

Flu can be serious. Even healthy children can become seriously ill from flu. In some cases flu can lead to complications. These can include bronchitis, pneumonia, painful middle-ear infection, vomiting, diarrhoea. In the worst cases, flu can lead to disability and even death.

Flu can be even more serious for people with health conditions such as:

asthma
heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease
diabetes
a weakened immune system
a spleen that does not work fully

Flu can make health conditions worse.

The flu vaccine will reduce the risk of your child getting or spreading flu to friends and family who are at greater risk from flu. For example, grandparents or people with health conditions. It’ll also help prevent your child getting sick with flu and needing time off school or nursery.

How is the vaccine given?

Children aged 6 months to 2 years will be given the injectable flu vaccine.

Vaccine safety

All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used.

Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The nasal spray flu vaccine has been used since 2014 and has a good safety record. Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given to children in the UK.

Does the vaccine work?

The annual vaccine offers protection against the most common types of flu virus that are around each winter. The flu vaccine should start to protect most children about 10 to 14 days after they receive their vaccination.

In previous years, the flu vaccine has worked very well, providing protection against flu. It has also reduced the chance of spreading flu into the wider community.

Pre-School 6 Months to 4 Years at Risk – Covid

NHS Scotland is offering the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to children aged 6 months to 11 years at higher risk of coronavirus this spring.

To be invited for vaccination this spring, your child must have a weakened immune system and be aged 6 months to 11 years on 31 March 2024 (born on or after 1 April 2012 and before 1 October 2023).

Why is my child being offered the coronavirus vaccine?

Getting the vaccine will help to protect your child against coronavirus. The vaccine helps to build up immunity to coronavirus, so the body can fight it off more easily. If your child is vaccinated, they are much less likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus or need to go to hospital.

Infants and young children with underlying health conditions are 7 times more likely to be admitted to paediatric intensive care units with severe coronavirus, compared to those without underlying health conditions.

My child has already had the coronavirus vaccine – do they need another one?

NHS Scotland is offering a coronavirus vaccine to children at higher risk to help protect them this spring. It’s important to keep up to date with the coronavirus vaccines your child is offered.

NHS Scotland recommends coming forward every time your child is invited to keep their protection topped up.

Is the coronavirus vaccine safe?

NHS Scotland will only use a vaccine if it meets the required standards of safety and effectiveness. All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) assesses all the data and also ensures a vaccine works and that all the necessary trials and checks have been completed.

Are there any reasons my child should not get the coronavirus vaccine?

There are very few people who cannot have the vaccine. If your child has had a confirmed severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of the vaccine ingredients or a previous dose of the same vaccine, you should seek advice from your health professional before your child has the vaccine.

The vaccine is not a live vaccine and does not contain any animal products or egg.

Vaccine manufacturer patient information leaflets

More information about the vaccines offered, including vaccine ingredients, is available in the manufacturer patient information leaflets.

Read the coronavirus vaccine patient information leaflet for 6 months to 4 years:

Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 3 micrograms/dose concentrate for dispersion for injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)

Pre-School 2 – 5 year old childhood flu

NHS Scotland recommends eligible children should get the flu vaccine to help protect them from influenza (flu).

The flu vaccine is available between September and March.

Flu (influenza) is a common infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache, and tiredness.

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Children aged 2 to 5 are being offered vaccination from the start of the programme to ensure they receive the earliest protection and prevent the virus spreading.

Why should I have my child vaccinated?

Flu can be serious. Even healthy children can become seriously ill from flu. In some cases flu can lead to complications. These can include bronchitis, pneumonia, painful middle-ear infection, vomiting, diarrhoea. In the worst cases, flu can lead to disability and even death.

Flu can be even more serious for people with health conditions such as:

asthma
heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease
diabetes
a weakened immune system
a spleen that does not work fully

Flu can make health conditions worse.

The flu vaccine will reduce the risk of your child getting or spreading flu to friends and family who are at greater risk from flu. For example, grandparents or people with health conditions. It’ll also help prevent your child getting sick with flu and needing time off school or nursery.

How is the vaccine given?

In Scotland, children aged 2 to 17 will usually be given the nasal spray flu vaccine. It’s quick and painless and there’s no need to sniff or inhale the vaccine. It’ll just feel like a tickle in their nose.

Children aged 2 to 17 years who cannot receive the nasal spray vaccine will receive the injectable flu vaccine.

Vaccine safety

All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used.

Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The nasal spray flu vaccine has been used since 2014 and has a good safety record. Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given to children in the UK.

Does the vaccine work?

The annual vaccine offers protection against the most common types of flu virus that are around each winter. The flu vaccine should start to protect most children about 10 to 14 days after they receive their vaccination.

In previous years, the flu vaccine has worked very well, providing protection against flu. It has also reduced the chance of spreading flu into the wider community.

Primary School Children – Flu

NHS Scotland recommends eligible children should get the flu vaccine to help protect them from influenza (flu).

The flu vaccine is available between September and March.

Flu (influenza) is a common infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache, and tiredness.

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.

Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school starting in early September through to December 2024.

Why should I have my child vaccinated?

Flu can be serious. Even healthy children can become seriously ill from flu. In some cases flu can lead to complications. These can include bronchitis, pneumonia, painful middle-ear infection, vomiting, diarrhoea. In the worst cases, flu can lead to disability and even death.

Flu can be even more serious for people with health conditions such as:

asthma
heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease
diabetes
a weakened immune system
a spleen that does not work fully

Flu can make health conditions worse.

The flu vaccine will reduce the risk of your child getting or spreading flu to friends and family who are at greater risk from flu. For example, grandparents or people with health conditions. It’ll also help prevent your child getting sick with flu and needing time off school or nursery.

How is the vaccine given?

In Scotland, children aged 2 to 17 will usually be given the nasal spray flu vaccine. It’s quick and painless and there’s no need to sniff or inhale the vaccine. It’ll just feel like a tickle in their nose.

Children aged 2 to 17 years who cannot receive the nasal spray vaccine will receive the injectable flu vaccine.

Children aged 6 months to 2 years will be given the injectable flu vaccine.

Vaccine safety

All medicines, including vaccines, are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used.

Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The nasal spray flu vaccine has been used since 2014 and has a good safety record. Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given to children in the UK.

Does the vaccine work?

The annual vaccine offers protection against the most common types of flu virus that are around each winter. The flu vaccine should start to protect most children about 10 to 14 days after they receive their vaccination.

In previous years, the flu vaccine has worked very well, providing protection against flu. It has also reduced the chance of spreading flu into the wider community.

Where clinics take place

Vaccinations are typically given in schools during term time. NHS GGC work with schools to communicate programme dates.

Before clinics take place, consent forms and vaccination information will be handed out to pupils at school for review at home then return to school.

If you / your child does not attend school or has missed vaccinations given in school, please contact the School Team listed under FAQs ‘School Team Contact Details’.

On the day

Pupils will usually attend clinics in the school hall or social space, class by class throughout the day.

Secondary School Children and Young People – Flu

About the programme

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting young people against serious diseases.

School-aged children are routinely vaccinated against:

Influenza – usually offered to all primary and secondary school pupils from September to December .

The flu vaccine is offered as a painless nasal spray to almost all children. It cannot give the child flu but starts to provide protection against flu within 10-14 days. The nasal spray offers the best possible protection for children and young people and can also stop flu spreading to family, friends and others, especially those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.

Consent forms and further information will be sent home to parents and carers of school children on return to school. Secondary pupils can self-consent but are encouraged to speak to a parent or carer first. All primary and secondary school pupils with consent to be given the flu vaccine nasal spray will receive this at school starting in early September through to December 2024.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccineconsentyoungpeople

For details of the schedule of vaccinations in Scotland by age, please refer to NHS Inform.

Where clinics take place

Vaccinations are typically given in schools during term time. NHS GGC work with schools to communicate programme dates.

Before clinics take place, consent forms and vaccination information will be handed out to pupils at school for review at home then return to school.

If you / your child does not attend school or has missed vaccinations given in school, please contact the School Team listed under FAQs ‘School Team Contact Details’.

On the day

Pupils will usually attend clinics in the school hall or social space, class by class throughout the day.

FAQs

I am unsure of my child’s immunisation history

Please contact your GP

Pre-School Team Contact Details

Please see team contact details below:

Glasgow South/East Renfrewshire

Phone Number: 0141 577 7774 (voicemail service is available)