Vaccinations

“Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions”
Public Health Scotland, 2025
 

Some of the individuals we come into contact with will not be up to date with their vaccinations that are offered as part of national programmes in Scotland.

People may differ in opinion when it comes to vaccinations:
 

• Some may be keen to ensure they have every vaccination that is offered to them
• Some may be actively against vaccinations, and perhaps unlikely to change their mind
• Some may be apprehensive (due to own past experiences, influence of public opinion, misinformation etc.)

With the right information and opportunity, brief conversations around vaccinations could support individuals to make a more informed choice.

Vaccination conversations | Turas | Learn is an education resource for the wider workforce which supports vaccine conversations and takes approx. an hour to complete.

Adults who reach 65 years and over are eligible for vaccinations such as influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles. Adults in certain health risk groups may also be eligible.
 

• Influenza is offered annually, during the winter campaign
• Pneumococcal is normally a one-off vaccination offered when 65 years
• Shingles is a one-off course of vaccination which consists of 2 doses
 

Additionally, adults who reach 75 years and over are also eligible for a one-off RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination.
 

• In Scotland you are eligible for several vaccinations once you turn 65

- Influenza (flu), pneumococcal, shingles
 

• If someone is hesitant or worried it can be helpful to explore this. Some examples include needle phobia, trust in the vaccine, attending the appointment, misinformation. It might help them to know:

- The World Health Organization (WHO) states the two public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines

- Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing before being introduced. (They’re also constantly monitored for side effects after being introduced).

• With any vaccine, there is a chance of side effects. Common side effects are signs that your immune system is responding as intended. The most common symptoms are mild and short term (normally 48hrs):

- Pain or swelling where the injection was given

- “Flu-like symptoms” (fever, headache, body aches and pains)
- Tiredness
 

- Vaccines work by teaching the immune system how to fight off a disease in case it ever comes into contact with it. This greatly reduces the risk of becoming seriously unwell and can reduce the likelihood of infection being spread to others.
 

-You may wish to offer supportive verbal information on the vaccinations discussed (see information below).
 

- The flu vaccine helps protect you from the most common flu viruses.
- These viruses change each year, which means you need a new vaccine each year.
- If you do catch flu after getting the vaccine, your symptoms will be milder and shorter. It may also reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious flu illness.
 

- Protects against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria like pneumonia and bacterial meningitis.
- Most people aged 65 or over only need a single dose of the vaccine, which will help protect them for life.
- Some people may have had the pneumococcal vaccine younger due to being in a ‘clinical risk group’. Normally, they would not require the vaccination again when they turn 65.
 

- Requires 2 doses to give you the best longer-lasting protection.

- Effectiveness of 70% against shingles and 76% against herpetic neuralgia (long lasting nerve pain after shingles).