NHS Health Scotland
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Reducing inequality in immunisation uptake

Immunisation is one of the most cost effective ways to improve public health. It can be made available to everyone who needs it, including more vulnerable people, and does not require any lifestyle change.

It’s encouraging that high numbers of children across Scotland are being immunised to help prevent serious illnesses. However, evidence shows lower uptake of some vaccines among other eligible groups across the life course – teenagers, pregnant women and older people. People living in areas of deprivation, who may be at greater risk of the diseases and illnesses that can be prevented by immunisation, are least likely to take up some of these life-saving vaccines. 

That’s why are we supporting European Immunisation Week (24–30 April) with the message that immunisation is important at every stage in life. Nuala Healy, Organisational Lead for Screening and Immunisation, said:

“It’s good news that immunisation uptake rates in Scotland by 12 months of age remains high. But immunisation isn’t just for babies. Throughout the life course immunisation offers protection against a range of serious illnesses and diseases including cervical cancer, meningitis, flu and shingles.

”Improving the reach of our immunisation programmes is an ongoing challenge for the Scottish Immunisation Programme. This includes teenage boosters offered to all secondary school pupils, the flu vaccine for pregnant women or the shingles vaccine offered to people aged 70.”

NHS Health Scotland provides a range of print and online resources describing what happens at appointments, the benefits of immunisation, side effects and other important information. This includes leaflets in a variety of languages and in easy read format, video clips for target audiences and the shingles eligibility calculator for people aged 70 years and over. NHS Health Scotland also hosts and updates the national immunisation website in Scotland. This is a Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) accredited website with expert reviewed content that is easy to understand.

As part of our work to improve public services, we are also working with local NHS Boards, schools and the third sector to plan interventions that will increase uptake of immunisations among young people. This will help to ensure best protection for all young people against serious diseases that can lead to complications or even death. 

Follow our Twitter feed next week @NHS_HS using the hashtag #VaccinesWork to find out which immunisations are offered at different life stages (external website), evidence of their effectiveness and the information resources (external website) available for each stage.

Find our resources on the Immunisation Scotland website.

Visit the Immunisation Scotland website

 

Channel website: http://www.healthscotland.scot

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