Immunisation is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions ever introduced. Every year, 3 million lives are saved world-wide from diseases such as tetanus, measles, polio, and diphtheria.
Immunisation refers to the process of receiving a vaccine and as a result of this, becoming immune to a disease. Vaccination is the process of receiving a vaccine i.e. receiving the injection, or taking an oral or nasal dose.
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself against serious illness.
The following adult flu and COVID vaccination clinics have been cancelled due to the current adverse weather conditions. Those booked for the clinic are being contacted to reschedule their appointment.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
The following pneumococcal (PPV) and shingles vaccination clinics have been cancelled due to the current adverse weather conditions. Those booked for the clinic are being contacted to reschedule their appointment.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
The following child immunisation clinics have been cancelled due to the current adverse weather conditions. Families are being contacted to reschedule appointments.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
If your child is due a vaccination as part of their routine immunisation schedule, and you haven't already received a letter, please call us to book a convenient appointment.
About our vaccination programmes.
For young children, the elderly and those who are most vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) and the flu, NHS Highland provide vaccination programmes. Millions of children and adults are offered the flu vaccine every autumn. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there has also been the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
If you are at higher risk, you may be contacted directly by NHS Scotland to book an appointment with your local vaccination service.
In the UK, we are fortunate that we can also offer protection against:
If you are travelling outside of the UK, it is a good idea to seek information on which vaccinations are required and available before arranging travel plans.
To speak to someone about local immunisation programmes or for further advice and information, please contact a member of the NHS Highland Health Protection Team.
Scottish Government has agreed that we can use local flexibility on an exceptional basis to deliver vaccinations in the Highland Council area, including commissioning GP practices where agreed and appropriate. This approval is for specific services and practices only and does not offer blanket flexibility.
This is a fantastic opportunity to create a new way of delivering vaccinations that works for Highland.
The proposal is to develop a mixed model of vaccination delivery, collaborating with GPs and other partners to make it as accessible as possible. It is proposed that GPs lead delivery of childhood (pre-school) vaccinations, with NHS Highland vaccination teams leading on school-age vaccinations. Adult vaccination programmes will principally be delivered collaboratively by NHS Highland vaccination teams and with General Practice.
The exact model is now being developed and a vaccination implementation group has been convened to support this.
See more information at NHS inform about immunisation, including advice on how to help protect against serious, vaccine-preventable diseases. You'll also find schedule information as to when immunisations are offered, such as during pregnancy, infancy, adolescence and other times throughout your life, and where they'll be given.
NHS Scotland provides a number of vaccinations for people at different stages in their life. Find out about these vaccines, and the diseases they protect against.
Last updated: 7 January 2026
Next review date: 10 August 2026