Immunization – common questions

Immunization saves lives. The questions below cover what immunization is, how it works, and how to keep yourself and your children protected.

What is immunization?#

Immunization is the process of becoming protected against harmful infectious diseases through a vaccine. You are immunized against a disease once you have had all the recommended doses for it.

Why is immunization important?#

Immunization protects you, your family and your wider community, and it helps protect future generations from infectious diseases.

In the past, before widespread vaccination, thousands of children died every year from infectious diseases such as diphtheria, smallpox, measles and polio. Immunization programs have brought many of these diseases under control and, in some cases, wiped them out.

How do vaccines work?#

Vaccines use your body’s own immune system to build protection against specific diseases before you ever come into contact with them. If you meet the disease after being immunized, your body remembers it and responds quickly, often stopping the disease from developing at all. This is how immunization keeps you safe from many harmful diseases.

Should I immunize my child?#

Yes, where it is recommended. Immunization is one of the best ways to protect your child from harmful infectious diseases. Some illnesses can have serious consequences, including death, for children. If a child passes an illness on to an adult, that adult may become even more seriously ill.

Immunizing your child also helps protect people in the community who cannot be immunized themselves, usually because they are too young or too sick.

What is an immunization schedule?#

An immunization schedule is the recommended list of vaccines and the ages at which they should be given. It covers babies and young children, and also includes immunizations for teenagers and other at-risk groups. Schedules differ between countries, and health authorities may fund extra vaccinations for people in special risk categories who need additional protection. Following the schedule used where you live helps protect against diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis), among others.

Where can I get immunized?#

Immunizations are available from a range of providers, which may include general practices (doctors), some pharmacies, and community- or school-based clinics. Check what is available in your area.

How much does it cost?#

In many places, routine vaccines are provided free of charge for eligible age groups. Your provider, such as a doctor or pharmacist, may still charge a consultation fee, so it is best to check whether there will be any cost when you book your appointment.

How do I know when to take my child for a vaccination?#

Your child health nurse can talk with you about your child’s immunizations at each visit, and the immunization schedule shows the age at which each vaccine is due. Keeping your child’s health record up to date, and noting upcoming appointments, helps you stay on track.

What if my child misses a vaccination?#

If your child misses a scheduled vaccine, talk to your doctor or immunization provider as soon as you can. They can arrange catch-up doses to get your child’s immunizations back on track. There is generally no need to repeat doses already given.

Do I need to be immunized as an adult?#

Immunization is recommended for people at different ages and stages of life. Talk to your doctor about the immunizations recommended for you, especially if your age, health, lifestyle or occupation may put you at increased risk of a harmful infectious disease.

Does my teenager need extra immunizations?#

Many immunization programs offer teenagers additional vaccines, often through schools, so families do not have to remember to arrange them separately. These commonly protect against diseases such as:

• diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough
• human papillomavirus (HPV)
• meningococcal disease (A, C, W, Y)

Check the schedule used where you live for the recommended ages and details.

Does immunization have side effects?#

Like any medicine, vaccines can have side effects, but these are mostly mild and usually clear up after a few days. More serious reactions are very rare, though they can happen. If you or your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, see a doctor immediately.

Are vaccines safe?#

Yes. Vaccines are rigorously tested before and after they are approved, and they continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness once in use. You are much safer being immunized than not, and immunization gives you the best protection against harmful infectious diseases.

What is herd immunity?#

Herd immunity, also called community immunity, is when enough people in a community are immunized that the spread of a disease slows down or stops. This protects people who cannot be immunized, mostly because they are too young or too sick. If immunization levels fall below a certain point, which varies for each disease, herd immunity can break down and lead to an outbreak.

How do I get a copy of my child’s immunization history?#

A record of your child’s immunizations is usually kept by your immunization provider or a national register. Ask your doctor or provider how to obtain an official copy where you live, and keep your contact details up to date so you receive any records or reminders. This record can also be needed to meet immunization requirements for enrolling in childcare or early education, and may list any medical exemptions.

Where can I get more information?#

The best place to start is your healthcare provider. You can also speak with a child health nurse, a pediatrician, or a pharmacist. When looking online, stick to reliable, evidence-based sources of immunization information.

Key points#

• Immunization protects you, your family, your community and future generations.
• Once you are immunized, your body can recognise and respond quickly to a disease, often preventing it.
• Immunization schedules also cover teenagers and other at-risk groups.
• Health authorities may fund extra vaccines for people in special risk categories.
• Herd immunity protects people who cannot be immunized, mostly because they are too young or too sick.

Where to get help and trusted information#

For evidence-based global health guidance, see Source: World Health Organization (WHO).