Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report
April to June 2020 (Q2)

An Experimental Statistics publication for Scotland

Published: 08 September 2020
Type: Statistical report
Author: Public Health Scotland

Immunisations

An error has been noted in the text in the pertussis (whooping cough) section of this report concerning 2017 data. The error was in the text only and did not affect the underlying data or any of the published figures. All publications affected are in the process of being updated.

About this release

PHS provides quarterly information on the following immunisations and vaccine-preventable diseases under surveillance in Scotland:

Haemophilus influenzae
measles
meningococcal disease
mumps
pertussis
invasive pneumococcal disease
rotavirus
rubella
shingles

Main points

The number of reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases in Scotland generally remains low. The second quarter of 2020 has seen a reduction in cases across all vaccine-preventable diseases under surveillance compared to the corresponding period in 2019. This may be as a result of restrictions in place to mitigate transmission of COVID-19.
No cases of measles were reported during the first half of 2020, however measles activity in Europe and globally poses a threat to international travellers and Scotland as global travel restrictions are relaxed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Number of mumps cases to June 2020 exceeded the total cases for 2019 and continues to be higher in individuals aged 17 to 34 years, compared to those in the younger and older age groups. Although the vaccination status of cases is not routinely collected, this is consistent with the age groups which are likely to be under-immunised with a mumps-containing vaccine, or for whom there is waning immunity.
A notable reduction in mumps cases has been observed in the second quarter of 2020, Between January and March, 853 cases were reported, however between April and June 2020, only10 cases were reported. This is most likely to be the result of the social distancing measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is likely to have also interrupted the transmission of mumps, as well as reducing attendance at primary care to diagnose.

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Older versions of this publication

Versions of this publication released before 16 March 2020 may be found on the Data and Intelligence, Health Protection Scotland or Improving Health websites.