In February, the Department of Health (DoH) said babies would receive a jab against pneumococcal disease, which can cause meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia.
But doctors are concerned about funding for the vaccine, which will cost Pounds 34.50 per shot - more than the other childhood vaccines put together.
Dr Peter Holden, a member of the British Medical Association's team negotiating the vaccine programme with the DoH, said, 'No one had consulted with us before this was announced.
'It needs to be included in our contract and the proper funds need to be made available.
'We have not reached an agreement yet. That is not to say there is a problem, but I would say we are looking at the end of the year at the earliest.'
A DoH spokesperson said, 'When we announced the decision to introduce the pneumococcal vaccine to the childhood immunisation programme, we said very clearly it would be introduced in 2006-07, and that is precisely what we intend to do.'
Chief executive of the Meningitis Trust Philip Kirby said, 'We're still waiting for an exact date to be confirmed, but we're not aware of any delay.
'Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis and we welcome the introduction of the vaccine. Pneumococcal meningitis is a devastating disease - 20 per cent of those who get it will die and a further 25 per cent will suffer severe after-effects.'
Denise Vaughan, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said, 'We will be very disappointed if there is any delay. This vaccine has the potential to save many young lives and prevent many others from having to live with severe disabilities. Any delay in its introduction will mean cases of the diseases that could be prevented.'