Childhood immunisations by 12 months have stabilised, and there have been improvements by aged five, Public Health Scotland’s (PHS’s) annual vaccination and immunisation report reveals.
Other positive examples included a significantly high number of winter vaccines given in a short period, with more than 1.8 million doses of the influenza vaccine administered throughout the programme. Uptake was highest among older care home residents (82.6%) and adults over 75 (81.0%), the report shows.
There were also increases in uptake among healthcare workers compared with winter 2024/25.
However, across Scotland, the report reveals persistent inequality in vaccine uptake linked to deprivation, ethnicity, sex and geography. Overall, vaccine uptake remains lower in the most deprived areas – which shows the need to improve access, confidence and meaningful engagement, the report states.
Several changes made to immunisation programmes in 2025 were also highlighted, including updates to the childhood schedule and
extended eligibility for RSV.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, PHS head of vaccination and immunisation, said: ‘Protecting the population of Scotland from vaccine-preventable
diseases will continue to depend on a resilient, equitable and responsive vaccination and immunisation system, underpinned by strong
partnership and shared commitment.’
He added that the report ‘celebrates the breadth of the work at local and national levels across Scotland, and provides insight into areas where further focus and sustained effort are required.’
Image | ISTOCK
