Immunisations Champions project roll-out to all Western Isles schools

A successful pilot project focused on immunisation education in Western Isles schools is set to be expanded after running over the past two years.

The project was created by Isabell MacInnes, who is currently an NHS Western Isles Health Protection and Screening Nurse but used her previous experience working as a School Nurse across Uist, Barra and Harris to develop the programme.

The programme aims to improve understanding of vaccines among young people by equipping Primary 7 pupils with knowledge and confidence as ‘Immunisation Champions'.

During the pilot, selected pupils from participating schools took part in a series of four structured lessons covering key topics such as: how the immune system works, how vaccines protect individuals and communities, consent and confidentiality, and the reasons why some people choose not to be vaccinated. Pupils also explored vaccine-preventable diseases, different types of vaccines, and how vaccinations are delivered, alongside looking at vaccination uptake and disease rates.

Pupils were shown trusted websites where they could find reliable information about diseases and vaccinations. They worked collaboratively to research diseases, deliver group presentations, and create information stalls within their schools while also supporting the school nursing team during flu vaccination season.

Feedback from pupils has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting their interest in learning about diseases and how vaccines help prevent illness. The project also complements key areas of the school curriculum, including health and wellbeing, science and social studies.

Isabell said: “It has been great seeing how engaged and enthusiastic pupils have been throughout this project. By giving young people the knowledge and confidence to understand vaccinations, we are helping them make informed decisions and play an important role in protecting their communities."

The initiative supports the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), now embedded in Scottish law, by encouraging children to access accurate health information, participate in decisions affecting their wellbeing, and develop an understanding of how to protect both themselves and others.

The programme has attracted praise from Health Boards across Scotland, and Public Health Scotland has recommended that it be offered to all Primary 7 pupils.

NHS Western Isles is now exploring how to extend the programme more widely. From August 2026, it is proposed that all Primary 7 pupils in Western Isles schools will take part in the lessons, with each school selecting four pupils to become Immunisation Champions.

Parents and carers who do not wish their child to take part should contact their school’s Head Teacher.