Vaccinations are one of the best ways to keep healthy. They are sometimes called immunisations.
On this page:
- Why vaccinations are important
- Which ones you need and when
- What they protect you against
Our guide will help you feel confident.
Talk to your GP surgery or school nurse if:
- You think you have missed any vaccinations
- You have any questions or concerns you want to talk through
- You have a vaccination appointment but cannot attend
It’s best to get vaccines on time, but don’t worry – you can catch up on most vaccines if you miss them.
Why do you need vaccinations?
If enough people are vaccinated, diseases struggle to spread.
The UK has one of the most successful vaccinations programmes in the world. This means that dangerous diseases such as polio, diphtheria or tuberculosis have pretty much disappeared here.
But these diseases are still around in many countries in the world – so they could come back if we stop vaccinating.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re protected! It also protects people who cannot be vaccinated, such as very young children or people with certain illnesses.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines train your immune system to make antibodies — natural defences against infections and diseases.
If you come into contact with an infection later, these antibodies recognise it and protect you.
What vaccinations do you need and when?
What is HPV?
HPV (human papilloma virus) is a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).
It has no symptoms so you may not know you have it.
Although most types of this virus are harmless, they are linked to an increased risk of:
HPV can also cause genital warts.
How will you have the HPV vaccine?
- As an injection in your upper arm
- Most people only need one dose to be protected
It’s over in seconds, and while your arm might be a bit sore after, that’s totally normal.
HPV myths vs facts
- The HPV vaccine is just for girls.
Wrong – it protects against the HPV virus which increases the risk of developing several cancers, not just cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important both boys and girls get the vaccine
- I don’t need the vaccine as I’m not having sex
Wrong – the vaccine is most effective if you get it before you are exposed to HPV.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus affects the nervous system. It can cause painful muscle spasms, breathing problems and can be fatal.
The infection happens when germs found in soil or manure get into your body through cuts and burns.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria often starts with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems. It can damage your heart and nervous system, and can kill.
What is polio?
Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system. It can cause permanent muscle paralysis and can be life-threatening.
How will you have the HPV vaccine?
- As an injection in your upper arm
- Most people only need one dose to be protected
It’s over in seconds, and while your arm might be a bit sore after, that’s totally normal.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a dangerous swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a virus or bacteria. It can also be caused by an injury.
What is septicaemia?
Septicaemia happens when bacteria enter your blood and can cause blood poisoning.
Both meningitis and septicaemia can cause sepsis which can cause tissue damage, organ failure and death.
What is Meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal can cause both meningitis and septicaemia.
It is rare but very serious. It needs urgent hospital treatment. It can cause disabilities, such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage and scars.
How will you have the HPV vaccine?
- As an injection in your upper arm
- Most people only need one dose to be protected
It’s over in seconds, and while your arm might be a bit sore after, that’s totally normal.
The MMR vaccine protects you long-term against measles, mumps and rubella.
These three infections spread easily from person to person and can cause serious complications, including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.
By getting two doses of the MMR vaccine, you build strong, lasting protection.
What is measles?
Measles is a very infectious disease – just a cough or sneeze can spread the virus to other people.
It spreads easily and quickly among those who are not vaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. Measles can also be very dangerous.
What is mumps?
Mumps is an infection that causes painful swelling on the cheeks and neck. It usually gets better within 2 weeks but sometimes it causes other problems.
What is Rubella?
Rubella (german measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It usually gets better in about a week.
How will you have the HPV vaccine?
- As an injection in your upper arm ( for younger kids it might be in the leg)
- Most people have two doses, one when your little, and another when you leave school.
It’s over in seconds, and while your arm might be a bit sore after, that’s totally normal.
Flu is not just a bad cold. It can be really serious, even if you’re usually fit and healthy.
It can lead to other illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia — which nobody wants.
Getting the flu vaccine means you’re less likely to miss school or need hospital care.
It also helps protect the people around you — like friends, grandparents or younger brothers and sisters — who could get very poorly if they catch flu.
Because flu changes every year, it’s important to get your flu vaccine every winter.
How will you have the vaccine?
It’s just a quick spray in your nose. No needles, super easy.
Where to get more information and support about vaccines
There’s lots of helpful information on the NHS website about vaccines plus the people who might be offered some extra vaccines if they are at more risk.
Or read the guide to immunisation for teenagers and young people.
It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up. The NHS website has lots of useful information about the vaccine schedule.
