In this post, our Year 3 student, Amy Grant explores why vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting young children from serious infectious diseases, and how Scotland’s NHS immunisation programme continues to make a real difference in the lives of families across the country. Amy also examines the challenges around vaccine hesitancy, inequality and trust that mean ensuring every child benefits from these programmes is not always straightforward.

Vaccination has long been recognised as one of the most effective public health measures in protecting children from serious illness. In Scotland, routine childhood immunisation programmes continue to play an important role in reducing diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and whooping cough. Public Health Scotland’s vaccination campaign aims to ensure that all children under five receive protection through free NHS immunisation services. While uptake rates remain high overall, challenges linked to inequality, trust and vaccine hesitancy continue to affect some families and communities (Public Health Scotland, 2025).

Why Vaccination Matters in Early Childhood

The first five years of a child’s life are an important stage of growth and development. During this period, children are more vulnerable to infectious diseases because their immune systems are still developing (Public Health Scotland, 2023). Attendance at nurseries and early learning settings can also increase exposure to illnesses through close contact with other children. Scotland’s childhood immunisation programme protects against several serious diseases (NHS Scotland, 2023). Vaccines are provided free through NHS services, helping to ensure that children have equal access to healthcare regardless of family income. One of the most important benefits of vaccinations is herd immunity. This means that when a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, vulnerable people who cannot receive vaccines themselves are also protected (Fine, Eames and Heymann, 2011). This includes babies and children with weakened immune systems and individuals with certain medical conditions. Vaccination programmes in Scotland have been highly successful in reducing childhood illness and preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases. However, recent reports suggest that uptake rates for some vaccines, including MMR, are beginning to decline in certain areas of Scotland (Public Health Scotland, 2025). This has raised concerns about maintaining strong levels of community protection.

Trust, Parents and Vaccine Hesitancy

For many parents, decisions around vaccination can feel emotional and overwhelming. Although vaccines are strongly supported by scientific evidence, concerns about side effects and safety continue to influence public attitudes. The MMR controversy of the late 1990s still affects public confidence today, despite extensive research showing no evidence of a link between vaccines and autism (Royal Society of Edinburgh, 2020). Large-scale studies involving over one million children found no increased risk of autism spectrum disorder following childhood vaccinations (World Health Organization, 2025). Social media has also contributed to the spread of misinformation and anti-vaccination views, making it difficult for some families to know which information is reliable (Dubé et al., 2013). Research suggests that vaccine hesitancy is not simply caused by a lack of knowledge. Emotions, personal experiences and trust in healthcare services also influence how parents make decisions (Ward et al., 2017). Healthcare professionals, including GPs and health visitors, therefore play an important role in supporting families. Positive and respectful communication can help parents feel listened to rather than judged. However, if parents feel pressured or dismissed, this can damage trust and make engagement more difficult. Early years practitioners can also support public health initiatives within nurseries and schools. Although they are not responsible for giving medical advice, practitioners can work alongside NHS services by promoting reliable information about routine vaccinations and encouraging open conversations with families. Nursery staff often build strong and trusting relationships with parents and carers, placing them in a good position to signpost families towards trusted healthcare professionals such as GPs or health visitors when concerns arise (Ward et al., 2017). Creating supportive and non-judgmental environments can help families feel more confident when accessing information about vaccinations. Simple actions within early learning settings can also help raise awareness. Sharing NHS leaflets, displaying public health posters and discussing children’s health during parent meetings may encourage families to engage with vaccination programmes. Working collaboratively with healthcare professionals also helps ensure families receive clear and consistent information (UK Health Security Agency, 2025).

Inequality and Access to Vaccination

Although Public Health Scotland’s vaccination programme is designed to be universal, inequalities in uptake still exist. Research shows lower vaccination rates in more deprived communities and among some minority ethnic groups (Public Health Scotland, 2025). Families with young children may face practical barriers when accessing healthcare services, including transport difficulties, inflexible working hours and childcare responsibilities (NHS Health Scotland, 2019). Digital exclusion has also become increasingly important as healthcare systems rely more heavily on online appointments and information. Recent Scottish research found that children living in deprived areas were more likely to experience delayed or incomplete vaccinations compared with those living in wealthier areas (Pearce et al., 2025). These inequalities matter because lower uptake can increase the risk of disease outbreaks and reduce herd immunity.

Looking Ahead

Public Health Scotland’s vaccination campaign continues to make an important contribution to improving children’s health and reducing infectious diseases across Scotland. However, challenges linked to vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and social inequality continue to affect uptake across communities. Improving vaccination rates in the future will require more than simply providing information. Building trust with families, improving accessibility and supporting communities through inclusive and respectful approaches will be essential in ensuring every child has an equal opportunity to benefit from vaccination programmes.

References

Dubé, E. et al. (2013) ‘Vaccine hesitancy: an overview’, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 9(8), pp. 1763–1773.

Fine, P., Eames, K. and Heymann, D.L. (2011) ‘Herd immunity’, Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(7), pp. 911–916.

NHS Health Scotland (2019) Vaccination uptake and inequalities report. Edinburgh: NHS Health Scotland.

NHS Scotland (2023) Childhood immunisation programme. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/childhood-immunisation-schedule (Accessed: 21 May 2025).

Pearce, A. et al. (2025) ‘Socio-economic inequalities in uptake and timing of childhood vaccination: a Scottish cohort study’, Vaccine, 57, 127222.

Public Health Scotland (2023) Child health programme: immunisation. Available at: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/our-areas-of-work/child-health/immunisation (Accessed: 21 May 2025).

Public Health Scotland (2025) Childhood immunisation statistics Scotland: year ending December 2024. Available at: https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/childhood-immunisation-statistics-scotland (Accessed: 21 May 2025).

Royal Society of Edinburgh (2020) Public attitudes to vaccination in Scotland. Edinburgh: Royal Society of Edinburgh.

UK Health Security Agency (2025) Supporting immunisation programmes for children and young people. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/supporting-immunisation-programmes (Accessed: 21 May 2025).

Ward, J.K. et al. (2017) ‘Vaccine hesitancy and coercion: all eyes on France’, Nature Immunology, 18(1), pp. 5–7.

World Health Organization (2025) Vaccines, thimerosal and autism spectrum disorder: Evidence review (2010–2025). Geneva: World Health Organization.

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