Public Health Scotland

Public Health Scotland Update

20 May 2025

Welcome to the May edition of the Public Health Scotland Newsletter. The past month has seen the release of new blogs, publications and the latest health news from the Public Health Scotland website. We encourage you to browse our latest updates and gain an insight into how we are working towards a Scotland where everybody thrives.

Latest News
a toddler smiling, sitting in a kid's swing seat. There are trees and bushes in the background

JCVI advises changes to childhood vaccinations in Scotland

Following a detailed review by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the UK’s independent expert group on vaccines, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to make some changes to Scotland’s childhood vaccination programme.
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End of term for PHS Chair Angiolina Foster

Following four years of invaluable leadership and guidance, the Chair of Public Health Scotland’s Board, Angiolina Foster, will come to the end of her term on 31 August 2025.
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From our blog

Tick talk – What to do if you get bitten

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and Dr Selene Huntley, Advanced Healthcare Scientist at PHS, shares what Lyme disease is, how it can be prevented by being tick aware, and how to spot symptoms if you have been bitten.
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A baby reading a book with a woman, and the banner saying 'World Immunisation Week 2025' above them.

Measles – a clear and continuing threat

In this blog, Dr Cheryl Gibbons, Lead Healthcare Scientist in Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, discusses measles, a disease that might be forgotten but isn’t gone for good.
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Embracing the outdoors and staying well in Spring

Professor Dominic Mellor, Consultant in Veterinary Public Health, shares some helpful advice to keep well while enjoying the outdoors in Scotland this Spring.
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Read more PHS blogs

New Publications
RADAR (Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Responses)

Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) quarterly ​report

This report monitors drug-related harms, service usage and toxicology data, in order to provide an early warning of emerging drug trends and identify actions to reduce and prevent drug harms and deaths.
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A Healthcare Needs Assessment on Gambling Harm

This report estimates the prevalence of gambling harms in Scotland and maps the service provision and demand for services. It also draws on the views of people living in Scotland who have experienced gambling harms or work in services to support those who do, and compares these findings to evidence from England and Wales.
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Read more PHS Publications
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