Immunization – deciding which vaccines you need

To stay protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, you need immunizations throughout your life, not only in childhood. Everyone’s needs are different, and the right vaccines for you depend on several personal factors.

What shapes your immunization needs#

Your individual immunization needs are influenced by:

• Health – conditions such as premature birth, asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, spleen or kidney problems can mean you benefit from extra protection.
• Age – different stages of life call for protection against different diseases.
• Lifestyle – choices like travelling, playing contact sport, sexual activity or smoking can affect your risk.
• Occupation – some jobs, such as working in a hospital or childcare center, increase your contact with infections.

Thinking through these factors is a good way to work out which vaccines may be relevant to you.

Use it to start a conversation, not as a diagnosis#

Reviewing your own situation can help you identify possible gaps, but it is not a substitute for professional advice. Use it as a starting point for a discussion with your doctor or immunization provider, who can confirm what you actually need.

Why immunization matters#

Immunization is a proven and safe way to protect yourself against diseases that can cause serious illness and sometimes death. Every day, immunization saves lives and helps people live free from illness and disability caused by many vaccine-preventable diseases.

By reducing the spread of disease, immunization protects not only the person who is vaccinated but also others in the community who may be unable to be vaccinated themselves.

What vaccines cost#

In many places, a number of recommended vaccines are provided free or at low cost through public health programs, though availability varies. Even when a vaccine itself is free, you may still pay a fee to the doctor or provider who administers it. Some vaccines need to be bought on prescription, and certain vaccines may be covered by private health insurance. Check with your provider and your insurer about what applies to you.

Possible side effects#

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common reactions may appear soon after immunization and usually last one to two days.

• Generally, no treatment is needed.
• If you have a fever, drink more fluids and avoid overdressing.
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) can be taken for pain or fever — follow the label for correct use.

Severe reactions, such as a serious allergic reaction, are very rare and usually happen soon after immunization. To be safe, your provider will normally ask you to wait nearby for about 15 minutes after you are vaccinated, so any reaction can be managed quickly.

Where to get immunized#

Immunizations are commonly available through doctors, nurses in clinics and community health services, maternal and child health services, travel clinics, some pharmacies, and hospitals. Your local health service can tell you where to go.

Key points#

• Protection from vaccine-preventable diseases requires immunizations throughout life, not just in childhood.
• Your needs depend on your health, age, lifestyle and occupation.
• Immunization is a proven and safe way to protect against diseases that cause serious illness and sometimes death.
• Most side effects are mild and need no treatment; severe reactions are very rare.

Where to get help and trusted information#

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