Immunisation

Immunisation is a global health success story, saving millions of lives annually by using vaccines to build protection against diseases. With vaccines for over 20 life-threatening illnesses, immunisation helps people of all ages live healthier lives and prevents 3.5 to 5 million deaths yearly from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, and measles. As a cornerstone of primary health care and a fundamental human right, vaccines are one of the most cost-effective health investments, playing a critical role in disease prevention, outbreak control, global health security, and combating antimicrobial resistance.

To strengthen these efforts in Scotland, Scotland’s 5-Year Vaccination and Immunisation Framework and Delivery Plan, published in November 2024, outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance immunisation services across Scotland. Building on past successes while addressing current challenges, the framework prioritises equitable access to vaccines, optimised public engagement, enhanced workforce capacity, and the delivery of high-quality, sustainable services. It reflects Scotland's commitment to improving population health, reducing inequalities, and addressing emerging vaccine-preventable diseases, all while supporting broader health and social care reforms.

Vaccination across NHS Scotland is primarily delivered by Immunisation Teams and services such as Women and Child Health and Sexual Health Services. However, the wider healthcare workforce plays a key supporting role, even when not directly administering vaccines themselves.

Mobilising our collective efforts is essential to addressing the complex challenges highlighted in Protecting the Population of Scotland from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Vaccination and Immunisation Report.

This report identifies several critical areas that need urgent attention to improve immunisation uptake across Scotland.

Watch the following animation to find out more.

The wider healthcare workforce is uniquely positioned to drive improvements in vaccine uptake.

As trusted sources of information, healthcare practitioners have a profound influence on individuals and families.

Their interactions help:

• Strengthen vaccine confidence through clear, compassionate communication
• Remove barriers to vaccination by addressing practical challenges
• Reach underserved communities with culturally sensitive approaches
• Promote equity by tailoring conversations to individuals' needs
• Direct people to relevant resources for informed consent

By creating a supportive environment, the wider workforce can help individuals feel heard and empowered to make informed choices about vaccination.

Conversations about vaccines are powerful tools in promoting public health. The C.A.S.E. model offers a structured approach to help healthcare practitioners navigate these discussions effectively.

This model serves as a guide to:

• Confidently addressing concerns
• Providing clear and accurate information
• Showing empathy for individuals’ experiences

Watch the animation to find out how the C.A.S.E. model can be applied in practice.
 

For more information about the C.A.S.E. model, access the document Improving Confidence in Vaccines: A Guide to Framing Conversations

This new eLearning module is for healthcare practitioners who either administer vaccines to pregnant women or discuss vaccination as part of their role. It complements detailed training on Turas Learn covering pertussis, RSV, and influenza, and helps build confidence in communicating benefits and addressing common concerns

The wider workforce also plays a vital role in reassuring individuals that Immunisation Teams have access to learning resources to support those with specific needs, such as neurodivergence or needle phobias.

These teams use tailored approaches, including creating sensory-friendly environments, distraction techniques, or step-by-step explanations to reduce anxiety and foster a more comfortable vaccination experience.

By collaborating with Immunisation Teams, the wider workforce can ensure everyone receives the care and support they need to confidently access and participate in vaccination programmes.

The Immunisation learning site on Turas provides quality assured workforce education resources developed by NHS Education for Scotland in collaboration with Public Health Scotland. These include:

• Core learning resources
• Vaccine specific learning resources
• News in immunisation education
• Useful links

For additional support or guidance, contact your local Immunisation Co-ordinator.