Metadata

The metadata for this document has been split into sections as there are some differences between the diseases. 

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on diphtheria infections in Scotland for the period for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Diphtheria

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland).

Date that data are acquired

21 January 2025.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

This publication has no revisions.

Concepts and definitions

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection affecting the upper respiratory tract or the skin, caused by toxins from Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C. diphtheriae), Corynebacterium ulcerans (C. ulcerans), and less commonly Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis).

The most common symptoms of diphtheria affecting the upper respiratory tract are membranous pharyngitis with fever, lymphadenopathy and upper respiratory tract soft tissue swelling 'bull neck' potentially leading to life-threatening airway obstruction. Cutaneous diphtheria may cause pus-filled blisters on legs, hands and feet and ulceration of the skin.

In unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, systemic absorption of the toxin can lead to late complications such as cardiac and neurological conditions and sometimes death.

Immunisation against diphtheria is offered to babies and children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of Diphtheria and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS and the enhanced surveillance database are used for analysis

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA diphtheria data and information

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of laboratory-confirmed toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on laboratory-confirmed cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections reported in Scotland for the period October to December 2024 (week 52)

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland).

Enhanced surveillance database for all paediatric (younger than 5 years of age) of any type, and all invasive type b.

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for incidence calculations).

Date that data are acquired

21 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 1988 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

None

Concepts and definitions

Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) are bacteria commonly carried in the respiratory tract which can cause serious invasive disease, especially in young children.

Invasive disease is usually caused by the encapsulated strains, specifically, six capsular serotypes (a to f) of which type b (Hib) was the most common, until the introduction of the vaccine.

The most common presentations of invasive H. influenzae infection are meningitis, septicaemia and acute respiratory infections.

Vaccination for Hib is part of the routine childhood immunisations schedule.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus influenzae and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS and the enhanced surveillance database are used for analysis

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA Haemophilus influenzae data and information

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of new H. Influenzae isolates from sterile sites.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on laboratory-confirmed and epidemiologically linked cases of measles reported in Scotland from October to December 2024 (week 52)

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Measles infection

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland), Colindale/UKHSA, Enhanced surveillance database.

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for incidence calculations).

Date that data are acquired

22 January 2025.

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 1988 to December 2025 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

None

Concepts and definitions

Measles is a rash illness resulting from infection with the measles virus.

It can affect people of all ages but infants less than one year of age, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of complications and death. It is the most infectious of all diseases transmitted through the respiratory route. It is estimated that on average, there will be around 15 to 20 individuals infected from a single case in a totally susceptible population.

New cases of measles are identified by laboratory testing based on positive PCR or measles IgM in blood or oral fluid.

MMR is the combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella and is the most effective strategy for preventing the transmission of measles.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of measles and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS and the enhanced surveillance database are used for analysis

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA measles data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of new measles infections

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on the clinical and laboratory-confirmed cases of meningococcal disease reported in Scotland for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Meningococcal Disease

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland).

Meningococcal Invasive Disease Augments Surveillance (MIDAS).

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for incidence calculations).

Date that data are acquired

31 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 2001 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

None

Concepts and definitions

Meningococcal disease occurs as a result of invasive bacterial infection with the organism Neisseria meningitidis.

Meningococcal disease most commonly presents as meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can also present as a combination of both or as a rarer clinical presentation, such as joint infection. Meningococcal disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

N. meningitidis is classified according to its outer membrane characteristics via a process known as serogrouping. There are a number of different serogroups, the most common of which in the UK is B followed by W. Cases of serogroup Y, Z and C disease have also been also reported. Currently there are vaccines to protect against certain strains within serogroups A, B, C, W and Y.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of meningococcal disease and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS are used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA meningococcal disease data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of new menigococcal infections.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on laboratory-confirmed cases of mumps reported in Scotland for the period from October to December 2024 (week 52)

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Mumps infection

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland).

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for incidence calculations).

Date that data are acquired

23 January 2025.

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 2000 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

None.

Concepts and definitions

Mumps is a disease resulting from infection by the mumps virus.

The disease is characterised by swelling of one or both cheeks or sides of the jaw, also known as parotitis, along with fever, headache and swollen glands although asymptomatic mumps infection is common, particularly in children.

Mumps is rarely fatal.

New cases of mumps included in the report are identified by laboratory testing based on positive PCR or IgM serology.

However, many cases of mumps may be diagnosed clinically, with no laboratory confirmation testing, or go undiagnosed since individuals may not present to healthcare. Therefore, the reliance on laboratory reports may represent an underestimate of the true burden of disease in the community.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of mumps and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS are used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA mumps data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of new mumps infections.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This report provides epidemiological information on laboratory-confirmed cases of Bordetella pertussis in Scotland for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Whooping cough

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS) for laboratory reports.

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for incidence calculations).

Date that data are acquired

22 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 2012 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

Number of laboratory-confirmed cases of pertussis for quarter 3 in 2024 are reported here as 1,890 which supersedes the number reported in the previous report for quarter 3 in 2024 (1,883).

Concepts and definitions

Pertussis (or whooping cough) is an acute bacterial disease of the respiratory tract, resulting from infection with Bordetella pertussis.

Pertussis is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing.

Early symptoms often include a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, which after a few weeks can progress to uncontrolled coughing fits and subsequent vomiting episodes.

Some individuals with pertussis exhibit a characteristic "whoop" sound caused by gasping for breath after coughing fits.

Unimmunised infants are most at risk of severe complications, which include pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Vaccination against pertussis is offered to infants at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age and to children at 3 years and 4 months of age. Vaccination is also offered to all pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks of gestation.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

These data are essential for monitoring the epidemiology of pertussis and the uptake of the maternal pertussis vaccine in Scotland in order to inform public health planning and response.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

Completeness

Count of pertussis laboratory reports (number).

Incidence of laboratory reports (rate per 100,000 population).

Age breakdown of laboratory reports (percentage).

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA pertussis data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Count of pertussis laboratory reports (number).

Incidence of laboratory reports (rate per 100,000 population).

Age breakdown of laboratory reports (percentage).

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on poliomyelitis infections in Scotland for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Poliomyelitis

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland).

Date that data are acquired

22 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

This publication has no revisions.

Concepts and definitions

Poliomyelitis (polio) is an acute viral illness caused by one of the three serotypes of poliovirus. Most infections are mild or cause no symptoms but in a small number of people polio can result in a potentially life-threatening infection that can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) / acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious set of symptoms that affects the nervous system and can be caused by both poliovirus and other non-polio viruses such as enteroviruses. People may become infected with the poliovirus through contact with infected faecal matter or respiratory secretions.

Immunisation against polio is offered to babies and children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of poliomyelitis and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS are used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA poliomyelitis data and information

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of laboratory-confirmed poliovirus infections.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on laboratory-confirmed cases of invasive pneumococcal disease reported in Scotland for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Pneumococcal disease

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland), Scottish Pneumococcal Invasive Disease Enhanced Reporting (SPIDER) surveillance scheme.

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for incidence calculations).

Date that data are acquired

21 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 2004 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

Case numbers for invasive pneumococcal disease have been amended in Table 2a in ‘Vaccine-preventable disease summary’ and in the invasive pneumococcal disease results and commentary section for 2022 from 374 to 373 following a data validation exercise. Corresponding incidence rates in Table 2b have been amended from 6.82 to 6.85 per 100,000.

Concepts and definitions

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is caused by infection of normally sterile sites, for example, blood, causing septicaemia, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) causing meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the bacterium responsible for causing invasive pneumococcal infection and is characterised by its outer coat, known as capsular polysaccharide. Different capsular types can be distinguished by serotyping. Over 90 different types of pneumococci have been identified, about a quarter of which are known to cause serious illness.

IPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially amongst the very young, the elderly, and those with impaired immunity.

Two pneumococcal vaccines are available that help to protect against pneumococcal disease.

New cases of IPD are identified by laboratory reports confirming isolation of S. pneumoniae from sterile body sites.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of meningococcal disease and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS systems and the enhanced surveillance database are used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA pneumococcal data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of new S. pneumoniae isolates from sterile sites.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on laboratory-confirmed cases of rotavirus for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Rotavirus

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland (ECOSS) for laboratory reports.

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for rate calculations).

Date that data are acquired

22 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 2011 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

None

Concepts and definitions

Rotavirus infections in children and adults can last approximately three to eight days and symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and mild fever. The combination of symptoms can lead to dehydration, requiring admission to hospital, especially in young infants.

Rotavirus is highly infectious and a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide. In Scotland, most children will have had at least one rotavirus infection by age five years.

The vaccine provides protection against the most common strains of rotavirus, but not other enteric viruses such as norovirus.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of rotavirus and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS are used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA rotavirus data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Count of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus (number).

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025 

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This release provides information on laboratory-confirmed and epidemiologically linked cases of rubella reported in Scotland for the period October to December 2024 (week 52).

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Rubella infection

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

ECOSS (Electronic Communication of Surveillance in Scotland), Colindale/UKHSA, enhanced surveillance database.

Date that data are acquired

24 January 2025

Agreed date to allow quality assurance checks.

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

October to December 2024, approximately 2 months in arrears.

Continuity of data

Quarterly as at March, June, September and December.

Data from 1988 to December 2024 (week 52) are presented.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

This publication has no revisions.

Concepts and definitions

Rubella is a rash illness caused by the rubella virus and is also known as German measles.

It is generally a mild self-limiting illness, but if acquired by women in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy can have devastating effects on the unborn child inlcuding miscarriage or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).

New cases of rubella are identified by laboratory testing based on positive PCR or IgM serology.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of rubella and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

All data returned from ECOSS and the enhanced surveillance database are used for analysis.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA rubella data and information.

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Number of new rubella infections.

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Publication title

Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases quarterly report.

Description

This report provides information on hospital admissions for shingles and shingles related complications in Scotland which are proxy measures for shingles disease.

Theme

Infections in Scotland

Topic

Herpes zoster infection

Format

HTML

Data source(s)

Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR01) for hospital admissions for shingles and related complications.

National Records of Scotland for mid-year population estimates (used for rate calculations).

Date that data are acquired

30 October 2023

Release date

4 March 2025

Frequency

Quarterly

Timeframe of data and timeliness

Hospital admission data from 2010 to 2022.

Continuity of data

Data on hospital admissions due to shingles and related complications are provided from 2010 to 2022.

Revisions statement

Data in the most recent quarterly updates supersedes data reported in previous reports.

Revisions relevant to this publication

This publication has no revisions.

Concepts and definitions

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus. Varicella zoster is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Shingles is characterised by a painful skin rash. The main complication from shingles is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting neuropathic pain after the rash has disappeared.

PHN can persist for months or years and the risk and severity increases with age. Its effect can be very debilitating.

The shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of getting shingles and the risk of complications.

Relevance and key uses of the statistics

Data are collected as part of mandatory public health surveillance providing data to monitor the epidemiology of herpes zoster and inform public health planning and response.

Statistics are used by PHS for surveillance purposes and published for transparency.

Accuracy

The data are considered accurate.

Data are validated locally by partnerships.

We carry out further validation checks in consultation with NHS boards, as required.

The Code of Practice for Statistics has been followed to ensure a high standard of data value, trustworthiness and quality.

Completeness

Hospital admission data is analysed once SMR01 completeness reaches at least 95%.

Comparability

Scottish data is regularly compared to UKHSA shingles data and information

Accessibility

It is the policy of PHS to make its websites and products accessible according to our accessibility statement. Graphs and tables have been assessed against PHS accessibility standards.

Accessibility of the report and findings are of continuous consideration throughout the report development.

Coherence and clarity

The report has been produced using the standard PHS publications template and is available as HTML web pages.

Value type and unit of measurement

Hospital admissions for shingles and related complications (rate per 100,000 population).

Coverage of shingles vaccination (percentage).

Disclosure

Our protocol on statistical disclosure is followed.

Official Statistics accreditation

Official Statistics

UK Statistics Authority Assessment

Not assessed.

Last published

3 December 2024

Next published

3 June 2025

Date of first publication

17 March 2020

Help email

phs.immunisation@phs.scot

Date form completed

6 February 2025

Last updated: 27 February 2025
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