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Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots urged to get vaccinated as measles cases rise amid global outbreak
Health chiefs are urging Scots to get fully vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise, with 27 confirmed infections already recorded in Scotland this year. Scots are being urged to take up vaccinations for measles as confirmed cases continue to rise across the country. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has said that 27 cases of measles have been laboratory-confirmed in Scotland so far in 2025, amid a worrying increase in outbreaks across the UK and globally. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) . It can affect people of all ages who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated. It comes after a child died from the disease this weekend at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where there has been an outbreak in the area. The MMR vaccine—protecting against measles, mumps and rubella—remains the best defence, with health chiefs stressing the importance of having two doses to be fully protected. The first dose of MMR is normally given to children aged 12 to 13 months, with a second dose offered at 3 years and 4 months. However, those who missed either jab at the recommended time can still get vaccinated at any age. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, warned that a steady drop in uptake over the past decade could fuel further outbreaks. He said: "Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people. We've seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low. 'That's why we're encouraging anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Healthcare workers are also being reminded that they should have had both doses of the MMR vaccine, and are advised to contact their employer or occupational health team if unsure of their status.
STV News
5 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Measles cases rising in Scotland amid global outbreak
Public health experts in Scotland say cases of measles are on the rise amid a global outbreak. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. As of July 9, there have been 27 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025. Measles can be very serious, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. It comes amid a global rise in cases, including in England, where outbreaks continue. In recent days, a child died at a hospital in Liverpool having contracted measles. Cases of Measles are on the rise across the world, so we encourage everyone to make sure you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, tells us more 🔽 — Public Health Scotland (@P_H_S_Official) July 14, 2025 Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles, say experts. The first dose is offered to children between 12 and 13 months, and the second dose is offered at three years and four months. If missed at these times, it can be given at any age. Uptake of MMR has declined across the UK in recent years, and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak with their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at PHS, said: 'Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people. 'We've seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade, which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low. 'That's why we're encouraging anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Gonorrhoea cases in Scotland remain high amid surge among older men
Gonorrhoea cases remain alarmingly high in Scotland, a new report has found, with a spike among older men prompting the launch of a new vaccine programme. Gonorrhoea cases in Scotland remain at worryingly high levels with a sharp rise among older men prompting urgent action from health officials. Public Health Scotland (PHS) has revealed that more than 4,500 people were diagnosed with the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in 2024. While overall figures have dipped slightly from the record highs of 5,999 diagnoses in 2023, the number of cases is still well above pre-pandemic levels – and there's been "concerning increases" noted among older men. Gonorrhoea, once thought to be declining in Scotland, has surged in recent years. According to PHS, the number of recorded infections has more than doubled since 2018. From 2023 to 2024, diagnoses decreased in men under 30 but incidence remains high and has increased in those 30 years and older. The disease has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making early detection and prevention even more critical. Experts say the findings show how STI's continue to pose a "significant public health threat" and underline the need for targeted interventions. It comes as the Scottish Government recently announced a new vaccination campaign, which will begin this August, after Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said action was "urgent". The move follows advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which backed the use of the MenB (meningococcal B) vaccine to help curb the spread of gonorrhoea. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of the Vaccination and Immunisation Division at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said: 'With gonorrhoea diagnoses having increased in recent years, the offer of the MenB vaccine to those at highest risk of exposure is a welcome new intervention. This vaccination programme is expected to help control and prevent the spread of gonorrhoea. 'We are working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to finalise plans for the roll out of this targeted vaccination offering from August 2025.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort and in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis. The highest rate of positive tests for gonorrhoea in the last five years was consistently observed in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Health chiefs believe thousands of cases of gonorrhoea could be prevented through the new vaccine programme. The S cottish Government has put aside £280,000 of funding for it. The vaccine – which is already used to protect infants against meningitis – has been shown in trials to cut gonorrhoea cases by over 30%. It will be offered to gay and bisexual men at highest risk of infection, those involved in selling or exchanging sex regardless of gender and those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level. Speaking at the Public Health Scotland Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Conference in Edinburgh, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: 'This action is urgent and timely since the number of diagnoses has been high and the disease is becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. 'The science tells us that this vaccine will potentially protect thousands of people and prevent the spread of infection." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Health chiefs have warned that while the vaccine is a vital tool, it's not a silver bullet. Condoms remain the most effective protection against STIs, and those with new or multiple partners are being urged to continue using them and get tested regularly. Left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications – including infertility and, in rare cases, blood infections. Visit NHS Inform or contact your local sexual health clinic for advice, testing, or treatment.
STV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
New vaccine to tackle thousands of 'preventable' cases of gonorrhoea
A new vaccine will aim to tackle thousands of 'preventable' cases of gonorrhoea, with diagnoses on the rise in Scotland. Cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) have been 'rising steadily' in recent years, and it is the second most common bacterial STI in Scotland. Latest figures show there were 5,999 diagnoses in 2023, a 59% increase since before the pandemic. Those eligible for the new vaccine programme include gay and bisexual men at the highest risk of infection and those involved in selling or exchanging sex, regardless of gender. Those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level are also eligible. Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort and, in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis. The Scottish Government is funding the programme, which will begin in August. Public health minister Jenni Minto said: 'This action is urgent and timely since the number of diagnoses has been high and the disease is becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. 'The science tells us that this vaccine will potentially protect thousands of people and prevent the spread of infection. 'Anything which stops people from contracting gonorrhoea in the first place can have huge benefits, including ensuring our health system remains resilient by reducing the amount of treatment needed.' Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of the vaccination and immunisation division at Public Health Scotland (PHS) said: 'With gonorrhoea diagnoses having increased in recent years, the offer of the 4CmenB vaccine to those at highest risk of exposure is a welcome new intervention. 'This vaccination programme is expected to help control and prevent the spread of gonorrhoea. 'PHS is working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to finalise plans for the roll out of this targeted vaccination offering to those at increased risk of gonorrhoea from August 2025.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
'Horrific' illness spreading with symptoms that last up to six weeks
Many Scots are reporting suffering with a grim bug, with symptoms said to last as long as six weeks in some cases. Many are unsure as to what they are dealing with - having received negative Covid test results. Taking to Reddit to see if others are suffering, one user wrote: "Touching two weeks now that I've had this brutal chesty cough that just won't budge and makes it near impossible to get a decent night's kip cos every time I lie down, I just turn into a coughy machine antibiotics barely did a thing. Considering new lungs at this stage." [sic] A second shared their experience, adding that they "still don't have my full energy back for exercise" even two weeks after their illness came about. A third said: "Tested and tested and never got a positive Covid like a mad cold/flu hybrid. Honestly horrific." A fourth said: "Caught whatever is going round 6 weeks ago. Think this is me finally coming out the other side. It's been murder!" And a fifth claimed their partner "cracked two ribs with all the coughing". Symptoms vary from person to person with many listing the following: Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24's medical director told the Daily Record: "As we enter the spring season, it is not uncommon for respiratory illnesses such as coughs, colds, and flu still to be circulating. These can be bothersome and impact on your day-to-day life, but some relatively simple steps can help ease symptoms. 'Our advice for coping with these seasonal illnesses includes ensuring you have enough rest, are staying well-hydrated, and using over-the-counter remedies – your local pharmacy can give your guidance on the most appropriate medicine to use. It is also important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and using tissues when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of infection. 'For more detailed advice is a valuable resource which has lots more information on how to safely self-manage illnesses such as these, and also when you should seek further advice.' According to Public Health Scotland : "Last summer in Scotland, there were more than 10,000 reported cases of COVID-19 and over 4,000 people hospitalised. This year's spring vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19. "This includes older adults in care homes, people aged 75 and over, and those with a weakened immune system, as they are at greater risk of illness from COVID-19. "If you're invited for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring, it's because experts know that your age or health condition mean you're at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at NHS, said: "Being vaccinated is the safest and most effective way for older people and those with certain underlying conditions to protect themselves against COVID-19. 'You get your strongest protection from the vaccine in the first three months after getting it. Over time, this protection gradually fades so, even if you had your winter vaccination, it's important to get another dose this spring to reinforce your immunity and help keep you safe. 'Getting vaccinated could mean the difference between a mild illness and a hospital stay.' The spring vaccination programme runs from March 31 until 30 June. If you're eligible, you'll be invited by letter, email or text message, depending on your selected communication preference. You can reschedule your appointment using the online portal or via the National Vaccination Helpline (0800 030 8013).
