Immunisations (vaccinations)

Immunisation is a way of protecting yourself and other people against serious disease. Immunisations (often called vaccinations) have saved many lives and they are one of the most effective ways to help you stay well.

Most immunisations are given during childhood, and they are usually given by injection. 

Immunisations are often given more than once to make sure the protection continues. This is known as a booster immunisation. Children usually need booster immunisations when they have reached pre-school age (five years old), and again before they leave school (between 13 and 18 years of age).

You should try to stick to the correct immunisation dates because the earlier your child is immunised the better protected they are.

A complete record of your child's immunisation will be kept in their health record book. Vaccinations given at a health clinic or their school will not necessarily be added to your child's GP records. Therefore it is important you keep your child's health record book in a safe place so that you can update it.

The details contained in your child's health record book are usually useful later on in life. For example, if boosters are needed or evidence of their immunisation for travel purposes is required.

Other immunisations available for adults include vaccinations for travelling abroad, the winter flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine.

For further advice on immunisations please ask your GP, health visitor, practice nurse or school nurse.