Public Health Scotland (PHS) has reported an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in the first quarter of 2024 compared to previous years.

To raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, PHS released the 'Immunisation and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Quarterly Report'.

The report highlights a rise in cases of whooping cough (pertussis), measles, and meningococcal disease between January and March of this year.

Whooping cough cases have increased across the UK and Europe, with most cases in Scotland occurring in the 10 to 14 years age group.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways.

Unimmunised infants are more likely to develop complications that may require hospital treatment.

Immunisation, which is given to infants, younger children, and pregnant women, can prevent whooping cough.

With whooping cough expected to circulate at high levels until autumn, PHS is encouraging pregnant women to get immunised between weeks 16 and 32 of their pregnancy.

The vaccine is required for each pregnancy and offers vital protection to babies after birth until they are old enough to receive their first routine immunisation at around 8 weeks old.

Parents are encouraged to ensure their children are immunised against whooping cough, as it is a highly contagious bacterial infection.

The report also shows that there were six confirmed cases of measles in Scotland during the first quarter of 2024.

The lack of onward transmission associated with these cases highlights the impact and importance of maintaining high vaccine uptake in Scotland.

Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3 years 4 months.

If missed at these times, it can be given at any age.

Anyone who hasn't had two doses of the MMR vaccine is encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area.

As is often the case in winter, the report also shows a small increase in invasive meningococcal disease, including meningitis, in the first quarter of 2024.

Vaccines offer the best protection against certain causes of meningitis.

Anyone under 25 years of age who has not yet had the free meningitis ACWY vaccine is encouraged to take up the offer.

This is particularly important for those planning to go to college or university after the summer.

'Being vaccinated is the best thing you can do to help protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

Some of the diseases that these vaccines protect against have almost disappeared from the UK as a result of so many people being vaccinated against them over the years.

We need to maintain high vaccination uptake rates to reduce the risk of infections occurring.

For more information on the vaccines which are provided free in Scotland by the NHS, please visit NHS Inform.

'Pregnant women are encouraged to speak to their midwife about getting the whooping cough vaccine.

You can find more about pregnancy and baby immunisations on NHS Inform.

Parents are encouraged to contact their local NHS Immunisation team to arrange for their children to get vaccinated if they have missed any doses.

Contact details can be found on the NHS Inform website or by calling 0800 224 488.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, causes long bouts of coughing.

Symptoms to look out for include prolonged coughing fits.