An NHS whistleblower claimed a failing IT system plagued by problems had led to appointment letters not being sent out, leaving scores of youngsters at risk and ‘clinics empty’.
Vaccination appointment letters have been delayed by an IT issue(Image: Jovanmandic)
Scots kids have had vital vaccination appointments delayed due to an NHS computer glitch.
An NHS whistleblower claimed a failing IT system plagued by problems had led to “thousands” of appointment letters not being sent out – including invites for a new chicken pox jab – leaving scores of youngsters at risk and clinics empty.
They spoke out on what they claimed were “serious on-going issues with the health appointments of children in Scotland” after NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) admitted delays to letters this week and inaccurate information sent out about routine childhood vaccination appointments.
Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “These shocking reports raise serious questions for the SNP government, who have already let the vaccination rate for children fall. This risks making matters worse.
“Children must not be allowed to miss out on vital healthcare due to an IT fiasco.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie(Image: Ken Jack)
“The SNP must come clean about the scale of this problem and set out a robust plan to fix it so every child can get the lifesaving vaccinations they need.”
An NHS source told the Record the issues were down to an ageing IT system used for sending out appointments, claiming it is due to be replaced by a brand new system but the move is “overdue and overspent”.
The source said: “The first (issue) was that thousands of letters for child vaccinations and screens weren’t sent because the provider….used had an issue with printing.
“The second, more significant issue, was that the implementation of the new 18 month appointment for chicken pox was completely botched.
“To date only a handful of children have been offered the new appointment due to a total failure of the 35 year old IT system and the update that was completed…
“Healthboards have been unable to appoint children for appointments, leaving clinics empty.
NSS said some letters contained inaccurate information(Image: Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire )
“This can lead to children coming to additional harm, as we’re aware chicken pox is easy to catch. So vaccine preventable disease is continuing to spread.”
Scotland introduced the MMRV vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella) into the routine childhood immunisation schedule this month, combining chickenpox protection with the existing MMR jab.
This week NSS admitted there had been a “delay” and the “inclusion of inaccurate information” in letters about routine childhood vaccination appointments after the changes, which included the introduction of the MMRV vaccine at 12 months and a new vaccination appointment at 18 months.
It said some letters for 12 months and 18 months appointments due from the week beginning January 5 were “not issued on time”.
A number of letters issued include “incorrect or incomplete” information regarding vaccinations at 12 months, 18 months and 3 years four months.
Some letters refer to the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine instead of the MMRV vaccine and omit the fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine or the 4-in-1 vaccine.
Scots are urged to get vaccinated.(Image: Getty Images)
NSS said all other childhood vaccinations are being scheduled correctly.
When questioned on claims of ongoing delays due to an IT failure, Steven Flockhart, Director of Information and Security at NSS, said: “Following changes to the childhood vaccination schedule introduced on 1 January 2026, some appointment letters contained inaccurate information and some routine appointments were delayed.
“This was due to an update to the system that schedules appointments, issues letters and records immunisation details. NHS National Services Scotland is working with Public Health Scotland, the Scottish Government and Health Boards’ child health teams to resolve this as a priority and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
“Delayed and corrected letters began to be issued from Monday January 12 and appointments are now being scheduled. “It is anticipated that all children will have received their correct appointment letters in the next few weeks.”
A Public Health Scotland spokeswoman said: “Scotland has excellent overall vaccine uptake, which limits the spread of vaccine preventable infections in the community, and means the risk of these delays is likely to be low.
“Parents and carers with questions or concerns about vaccination appointments can contact the helpline on 0345 034 2460, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.”