Description of the website

The website of Public Health Scotland (PHS) is a member of the WHO-led project Vaccine Safety Net (VSN).

NHS Inform is Scotland’s national website which aims to equip the public with up-to-date health information about a variety of topics, including immunisations in Scotland. The website contains information about the vaccines available and the diseases protected against, the concept of immunisation and the importance of getting immunised.

Each individual vaccine page contains the answers to commonly asked questions about vaccines and diseases they protect against. Users are able to search for vaccines by age group. As well as babies, children and teenagers, the website includes information about vaccines for young adults and older adults.

The website also contains frequently asked Q&As, links to leaflets and posters with information for each vaccine, and videos aiming to provide users with interactive information on immunisation.

Leaflets about each vaccine programme are available to download from the website – these are available in English, Easy Read format and translated into three core languages (Polish, Chinese, and Urdu) and where appropriate in other languages also. All videos can be downloaded by user alongside relevant transcripts. Several videos are also provided in a British Sign Language version. Several videos are also provided in a British Sign Language version.

Website's sponsorship policy

NHS Inform is the national health information website for Scotland. The website is operated and funded by NHS 24 and the immunisation pages are hosted on behalf of Public Health Scotland (Scotland’s lead NHS agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of all of Scotland’s people).

Website's content and editorial policy

The NHS Inform website is managed by NHS 24, who work directly with Public Health Scotland in developing the immunisation content.

The content of the website is developed and approved by an editorial group consisting of immunisation specialists. It is reviewed regularly to ensure it is evidence-based and accurate from a medical and policy perspective. The reviews are a collaboration between Public Health Scotland, Scottish Government, and key stakeholders from local Health Boards (e.g. Immunisation Coordinators, Health Protection Nurses, and Immunisation Programme Managers etc.).