Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Since 1974, they’ve saved 154 million lives – that’s more than 3 million lives a year or six people every minute for five decades. In the same period, vaccination has reduced infant deaths by 40%, and more children now live to see their first birthday and beyond than at any other time in human history. Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of those lives saved.
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:
- COVID-19
- Flu
- Routine childhood
- Schools
- Pertussis for pregnant women
- Pneumococcal
- Shingles
- Non routine vaccinations by referral
- Travel
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Key contact
NHS Borders Vaccination Hub 01896 809 250