Evolution and effects of COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes: a population analysis in 189 care homes in one geographical region of the UK.

Background: COVID-19 has affected care home residents internationally, but detailed information on outbreaks is scarce. We aimed to describe the evolution of outbreaks of COVID-19 in all care homes in one large health region in Scotland.

Methods: We did a population analysis of testing, cases, and deaths in care homes in the National Health Service (NHS) Lothian health region of the UK.

Impact of an influenza information pamphlet on vaccination uptake among Polish pupils in Edinburgh, Scotland and the role of social media in parental decision making.

Background: In Edinburgh, Scotland, lower influenza vaccine uptake has been observed in primary school children in the Polish community.

Methods: To address this disparity, the Polish-language version of the NHS Health Scotland influenza information pamphlet was updated and distributed in 2018 to all identified Polish pupils attending three pilot schools. The impact of the revised pamphlet was evaluated by examining changes in vaccine uptake in these schools as compared to a control group of schools, and a questionnaire was issued to all Polish parents in the pilot schools to explore their opinions of the pamphlet and preferred sources of immunisation information.

Recurrent outbreaks of mumps in Lothian and the impact of waning immunity.

Another large outbreak of mumps occurred in Lothian from October 2017, which coincided with the commencement of the higher education term. During this period 324 cases were notified, most of whom were aged 18-22 years old. Although previous outbreaks had a focus in student populations, 43% of current cases reported that they were not a student.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Community Testing Team in Scotland: A 14-day review, 6 to 20 February 2020.

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, we set up a team to carry out sampling in the community. This enabled individuals to remain in self-isolation in their own homes and to prevent healthcare settings and services from being overwhelmed by admissions for sampling of suspected cases. There is evidence that this is a cost effective, safe and necessary service to complement COVID-19 testing in hospitals.