NHS Lothian apologises to parents over 'underlying health condition' error on children's vaccine letters
The wrong letter template was used
Last updated 5th Apr 2022
NHS Lothian has apologised to parents who were wrongly told their child had an 'underlying health condition' on a letter inviting them for a Covid-19 vaccination - even though they are fit and well.
The health board said the admin error was down to an incorrect template being used and affected 'some parents' in West Lothian and Midlothian.
They are still being told the appointment details are accurate and the pre-booked vaccination slots should be kept.
Katie Dee, Deputy Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “We are really sorry for this admin error and are writing to the affected parents to apologise for the confusion it may cause some parents.
“We use two letter templates in Lothian to invite children – one for children who have underlying health conditions and one for children who do not.
"It appears that the wrong version may have been used when offering some appointments to children in Midlothian and West Lothian.
“Parents don’t have to do anything at all. All of the appointment information remains the same and they should turn up for the appointment that has been reserved for them.
“The numbers of people testing positive for infection have increased rapidly across Scotland and vaccination is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and our children against the virus.”
Children aged 5-11 are currently being invited to be vaccinated against coronavirus, in line with the latest medical guidance.
Parents and carers with questions or concerns about the vaccines are being told to go to the NHS Inform website or call the national vaccination enquiries line.