Childhood Immunisations

Children in Scotland are protected through immunisation against many serious infectious diseases. Vaccination programmes aim both to protect the individual and to prevent the spread of these illnesses within the population. As a public health measure, immunisations have been hugely effective in reducing the burden of disease. It is of public health concern when immunisation rates fall, as this increases the possibility of disease transmission, and hence complications arising from outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The target of the national immunisation programme is for 95% of children to complete courses of the following childhood immunisations by 24 months of age: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib, Men C, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). An additional national target of 95% uptake of one dose of MMR (MMR1) by 5 years of age was introduced in 2006 to focus efforts to reduce the number of susceptible children entering primary school. This is in line with the World Health Organisation target for MMR.

Click on Statistics and Information on the left hand menu or the relevant link below to access further information:

• Latest Childhood Immunisation uptake rates, at 12 and 24 months, and 5 and 6 years of age, by quarter, Scotland. [ 270 KB].
  A Statistical Publication Notice explains the key points from the 25 March release.
  
  
  
• Full list of Childhood Immunisation Uptake Statistics and Information Available
  
  
  
• Data collection and background notes
  
  
  
• Recommended ages of childhood immunisations in the UK.

Further information on the immunisation programme, letters and factsheets for various ages can be found via the Health Scotland Immunisation website www.healthscotland.com/immunisation/