scotPHO introduction:
  Allergic conditions
  Cancer
  CHD
  Diabetes
  Disability
  Epilepsy
  Hepatitis C
  Immunisations
  Key points
  Introduction
  What is immunisation?
  Childhood immunisation programme
Other vaccine preventable diseases
  Policy context
  Data
  Key data sources
  References
  Useful links
  Infections
  Mental Health
  Multiple Sclerosis
  Oral Health
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Immunisations: other vaccine preventable diseases

Other vaccines are also available, but not included in the childhood immunisation programme, for the following infections:

Tuberculosis

A BCG vaccination against tuberculosis has been part of the UK national childhood immunisation programme, however, following recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), a more targeted programme has been introduced to replace the current universal schools programme.

The BCG vaccination will continue to be offered to those at risk due to their occupation, such as health care workers, veterinary staff, staff of prisons; to contacts of known cases, and to those intending to live or work in high prevalence countries for extended periods. Click herePDF Button for more details on the changes to the BCG vaccination arrangements.

Tuberculosis in Scotland has been relatively stable over the past 20 years. The incidence of TB in Scotland is stable and low, currently with around 250 cases of pulmonary TB and 150 non-pulmonary cases per year. Further detailed information on Tuberculosis is available from the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) website.

Varicella (chicken pox)

Chickenpox is now a vaccine preventable disease with the advent of a live attenuated varicella zoster virus vaccine. Two live varicella vaccines are licensed in the UK and recommended for susceptible healthcare workers and other contacts of immunocompromised patients in certain circumstances

Information on incidence and notifications of varicella are available from the HPS website.

Influenza

An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 65 years and over and all adults with serious heart, chest, kidney and other long-term health problems.

Click here for further information on the arrangements for flu vaccination in Scotland from 2006-2007.

Information on surveillance arrangements for influenza can be obtained from the HPS website. Statistics on monthly and annual vaccines dispensed and vaccination contacts within general practices are available from Practice Team Information data at ISD.

Hepatitis B

Currently, due to low incidence of Hepatitis B in the UK, there is no universal vaccination of children against this infection. The current UK policy involves vaccination of groups at high risk of infection though this is currently under review by a special sub-group of the JCVI (HPA, 2005).

Information on the incidence of Hepatitis B in Scotland by Health Board and risk group can be obtained from the HPS website.