The campaign Chat. Sign. Protect. aims to raise awareness of the vaccines offered to young people in secondary school and remind parents and carers to sign and return the vaccine consent forms before the deadline.     

Students are at increased risk of infectious diseases like meningitis and measles. These diseases spread easily in universities and colleges, as students mix closely with others from around the country and overseas. The new term for Scottish universities and colleges is an important opportunity to remind students of free vaccinations provided by the NHS in Scotland.

This winter there have been high levels of flu circulating compared to previous years.

In response, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is reminding eligible individuals who have not yet received their free flu vaccine to get vaccinated before the vaccination offer ends on 31 March. Additionally, those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to get vaccinated before the COVID-19 vaccination programme ends on 31 January.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) is an opportunity to raise awareness of breast screening. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Scottish women with one in nine developing the disease. Women are five times more likely to survive if it's caught in it's earliest stage. 

Viruses like flu and COVID-19 spread more easily during the colder months as we spend more time indoor with others. That’s why those most at risk of getting seriously ill are being offered the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. It's important those who are eligible take up the offer of vaccination to get the best protection this winter.