Public Health Scotland Newsletter

New evidence from Scotland shows that the flu vaccine provides important protection against severe illness

New data published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides clear evidence that this year’s vaccine is doing a good job of preventing severe flu. So far this winter, children in Scotland are 78% less likely to be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated; with vaccinated adults in Scotland aged 65 and over 37% less likely to be hospitalised.

S1 pupils encouraged to take up the offer of the free HPV vaccine as new report shows uptake remains lower than pre-pandemic levels

PHS has published its latest annual human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation report, which shows that uptake remains lower than rates seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Scotland Board Member appointments

PHS is recruiting three new members to join our Board. Applications are invited from a wide range of people who have an interest in public service and improving the health of the population.

Shaping healthier food environments for the next decade

In collaboration with PHS, Nesta, an innovation agency for social good, published two key publications which explore how Scotland’s planning system can be used to create healthier food environments and support efforts to reduce obesity and health inequalities.

Turning the tide on Tuberculosis with surveillance and solutions

With cases of Tuberculosis (TB) increasing in Scotland, Hazel Henderson, Consultant in Public Health and Lead of the Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens team at PHS, has written a blog about the importance of surveillance in understanding and beating this persistent, curable and preventable disease.

How the new maternal RSV vaccination prevents serious illness in Scotland: 219 babies and counting

PHS, in collaboration with the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, Edinburgh and Oxford, have published a groundbreaking study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, showing that infants under three months of age, whose mothers received the RSV vaccination during pregnancy, had around 80% reduced risk of hospitalisation due to an RSV infection compared to infants whose mothers were unvaccinated.

Ross McQueenie, Lead – Vaccine Effectiveness and Infectious Respiratory Inequalities, at PHS, shares his thoughts on good news that’s getting even better as more mothers take up the vaccine.

How many people are waiting for NHS treatment in Scotland?

In this blog, Scott Heald, Head of Profession for Statistics at PHS explains how waiting times are measured and why even our best estimates cannot provide a complete answer to the question: how many people in total are waiting for treatment?

The right to housing and its impact on health

This publication highlights the role of adequate housing as a fundamental component of the right to health. It outlines dimensions of housing that shape health and health inequalities and provides evidence and context relevant to Scotland.

Viral respiratory diseases in Scotland surveillance report

This weekly release by PHS presents epidemiological information on respiratory infection activity, including COVID-19, across Scotland.

Scottish national audit programme (SNAP) annual report

The Scottish National Audit Programme (SNAP) continues to audit performance across healthcare services in Scotland against national clinical standards and works with NHS Boards to support the delivery of standards of care and quality improvement.