Change to hybrid model for childhood vaccinations

We want to bring vaccination as close to people as we can and make it easier for people to access vaccination services. The hybrid model will see NHS Highland vaccination teams and participating GP practices working together to provide services locally, helping to improve access, consistency and resilience, and support vaccination uptake.

We are taking a phased approach to ensure the changes are manageable and safe. We are starting with childhood vaccination before moving on to adult vaccination arrangements.

The majority of childhood vaccinations will continue to be delivered through NHS Highland-run clinics.

Six independent practices are moving to the hybrid model:

• Tweeddale Medical Practice (Fort William)

• Aultbea and Gairloch Medical Practice

• Kingussie Medical Practice

• Laggan Medical Practice (Newtownmore)

• Nairn Healthcare Group

• Thurso and Halkirk Medical Practice

Plans are in place for these practices to begin delivering preschool vaccinations through the hybrid model in November 2026.

The 15 Board-managed practices will also be phased into the hybrid model. This will happen as part of the wider phased approach to introducing the new arrangements.

Different practices have different workforce arrangements, capacity and operational considerations, so not all practices have opted to take part in the hybrid model at this time.

Where a GP practice is not participating in the delivery itself, vaccination services will continue to be available through NHS Highland vaccination clinics. However, all GP practices will continue to have a core role in promoting and supporting the benefits of vaccination, even if not delivering vaccines.

Patients will continue to receive invitations for routine vaccinations and will be told where their appointment will take place. Eligibility, vaccination schedules and clinical standards are unchanged. Patients should continue to follow the information provided in their invitation.

No. NHS Highland vaccination teams will continue to play an important role in delivering vaccination services as part of this hybrid model. Depending on local arrangements, vaccinations may be delivered by participating GP practices or NHS Highland vaccination teams.

Not necessarily. Depending on your GP practice and local arrangements, your child’s vaccination may be provided by either your GP practice or an NHS Highland vaccination team. Your invitation will make clear where the appointment will take place.

Vaccination services will continue to be available through NHS Highland vaccination clinics. Patients will continue to receive invitations and have access to all routine vaccinations.

No. Patients should continue to follow the instructions in their vaccination invitation, which will include information about their appointment and where their vaccination will take place.

No. This is a hybrid model, with NHS Highland vaccination teams and participating GP practices working together to deliver services. Participating GP practices will deliver preschool vaccinations for their registered patients, while NHS Highland vaccination teams will continue to provide vaccination services across Highland.

No. Vaccinations delivered by GP practices and NHS Highland vaccination teams are part of the same vaccination programme and follow the same clinical standards. The hybrid model provides flexibility in how services are delivered locally rather than creating different levels of service.

The six practices are in a position to move to the hybrid model as part of this first phase. Participation will reflect local circumstances, including workforce, capacity and operational considerations. Vaccination services will continue to be available to patients regardless of the delivery model operating in their area.

Arrangements for adult vaccination are still being developed and may vary depending on local circumstances. We will share more information once plans are confirmed.

Increasing vaccination uptake is one of the aims of the new model for childhood vaccinations. By providing greater flexibility in how services are delivered locally, we want to make vaccination as accessible as possible and bring services closer to communities where we can. The opportunity to work collaboratively between vaccination teams and GP practices will also allow targeted work to increase uptake and address inequalities.

Vaccination services remain available to everyone who is eligible. Depending on local arrangements, vaccinations may be delivered by a participating GP practice or an NHS Highland vaccination team. Patients will be told where to attend as part of the normal invitation process.