World Immunization Week, 24-30 April 2026
For every generation, vaccines work
Clinic here for more details about World Immunization Week 2026
👋 Welcome to the Vaccination Service
Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in public health. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives – not by accident, but because ordinary people made the decision to protect themselves, their children and their communities from diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus.
Today, newer vaccines against malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, and mpox are saving even more lives, and helping people at every stage of life live longer and healthier thanks to scientific advancements.
During World Immunization Week, let’s show the world that some family traditions are worth passing on. Under the theme, “For every generation, vaccines work”, World Immunization Week will promote how vaccines have safely protected people, families, and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.
The NHS in Scotland offers immunisation through pregnancy, childhood, young adulthood and later life, to give everyone the best possible chance to pursue a long life, well lived.
When enough of the population are protected from a specific disease by a vaccination, this helps prevent the spread of that infection in the community.
To find out about vaccines you’re eligible for or to catch up on any vaccines you may have missed, click on nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations or call the NHS Inform helpline 0800 22 44 88 (open 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday).
What’s the difference between vaccination and immunisation?
Vaccination means receiving a vaccine, either by injection, nasal spray or oral vaccine.
Immunisation means receiving a vaccine then becoming immune to a disease. Vaccinations encourage your body’s immune system to produce antibodies that will fight off a virus or bacteria.
Changes to the way vaccinations are given in the Borders
Since October 2021, responsibility for vaccinations has moved from GPs practices to NHS Borders Vaccination Service as part of the Primary Care Improvement Plan.
The Vaccination Service leads the delivery of immunisation programmes in partnership with public health, school immunisation, community nursing, occupational health, maternity services, general practice, acute services and the wider Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership.
In Scotland there are a number of national immunisation programmes:
- Babies & pre-school
- COVID-19
- Flu
- Routine childhood
- Schools
- Pertussis for pregnant women
- Pneumococcal
- Shingles
- Non routine vaccinations by referral
- Travel
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Useful contacts:
NHS Borders Vaccination Hub: 01896 809 250
World Health Organization Vaccines and immunization