The latest news and campaigns for young people

This section will allow you to keep up to date with the latest health trends and campaigns that are targeted at young people in Scotland.

Cervical cancer and HPV campaign

The second year of the HPV immunisation programme launched last month. NHS Scotland has added new features to the HPV immunisation campaign site:

• New footage: Research showed that teachers and girls found the educational DVD very useful. We’ve added new footage: now girls, parents and carers can watch video snippets relevant to them. Online advertising points girls and their carers to this new section.
• New case study: We also know that girls appreciate watching real life stories via video. They can now watch Lauren McPherson receiving her third dose of the HPV vaccine online. Laura talks frankly about the experience and why she wanted the jab.
• New SMS reminder: And lastly, we’re promoting a new SMS reminder service for girls awaiting their second and third dose of the HPV vaccine. The reminder will help ensure girls receive all three doses. For further information about the SMS campaign, please email Nicki Sprinz.

Meningitis campaign

NHS Health Scotland is currently leading a campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Meningitis amongst students.

The campaign, due to launch on 21 September, will be participating in freshers’ fayres at colleges and universities across Scotland.

The campaign will use various routes to raise awareness, including:

• Pop-up banners on computer screens
• Text alert systems
• Agencies such as YoungScot and the National Union of Students.

The campaign is also connecting with local youth drop-in clinics and partners including Meningitis Charities to ensure that leaflets and information about Meningitis is as accessible as possible.

The campaign also extends to the wider population through community pharmacies, GP surgeries and local immunisation coordinators.

The Meningitis pages on NHS24 will be used to direct people to more information as well as the NHS helpline 0800 224488.

For further information about the campaign, please email Justine Hampton or contact your local NHS Board to gain access to the materials.

Swine flu and young people

Young people with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma face more serious health complications if they contract swine flu compared with other young people.

Young mums should also be more cautious about swine flu.

More information on the Swine Flu outbreak can be found on the NHS 24 website.