Immunisation Deciding Which Vaccines You Need

Overview

Immunisation is the process of becoming protected against serious diseases. It usually happens through vaccination — a medicine given to teach your body's immune system (your natural defence system) how to recognise and fight a germ. Deciding which vaccines you need is a personal decision based on your age, health, pregnancy status, job, travel plans, past vaccination record, and the local immunisation schedule.

Vaccination is a common and routine part of preventive health care. Most people have some vaccines in childhood, and some are offered again in later life, during pregnancy, or for travel and work.

Everyone can benefit from immunisation at some point. The vaccines recommended vary with age, health, pregnancy, job, travel, and local schedule.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• This topic is about prevention, so it does not have symptoms of its own.
• Mild, short-lived side effects can happen after a vaccine, such as a sore arm, mild fever, tiredness, or headache.
• These usually settle within a few days and are a sign the immune system is responding.

Symptoms in children

• Children may have a sore arm or leg, mild fever, tiredness, or be fussy for a day or two.
• Serious reactions are rare. If you are worried about your child, contact your clinician.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can have the same mild side effects.
• If you have a long-term condition or take medicine that affects your immune system, ask your clinician which vaccines are suitable.

Causes

Main causes

• The need for vaccination is based on the risk of catching a disease and the risk of becoming very unwell from it.
• Some vaccines are recommended for everyone at certain ages; others are for particular groups.
• Your past vaccination history and local schedule guide what is due.

Risk factors

• Age, including infancy and older age
• Long-term health conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, or diabetes
• A weakened immune system or treatments that suppress immunity
• Pregnancy
• Jobs with exposure risk, such as healthcare or caring roles
• Travel to areas where certain diseases are common
• Close contact with people at high risk
• Missing routine vaccines or not knowing your vaccination history

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A fever in a baby under 3 months.
• A severe or worsening reaction at the injection site.
• Feeling very unwell after vaccination, especially if symptoms are not settling.
• You are pregnant or have a weakened immune system and are unsure whether a vaccine is safe for you.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are unsure which vaccines are due for your age or health.
• You are planning travel and need to check timing and recommendations.
• You have a new health condition, new job, or are pregnant.
• You want to catch up on missed vaccines.
• You need a vaccination record reviewed before school, work, or travel.

Diagnosis

There is no single test that tells you which vaccines you need. Instead, a clinician or pharmacist reviews your age, health, medicines, pregnancy status, job, travel plans, and vaccination record. They compare this with the local immunisation schedule and any special recommendations for your situation.

Tests that may be done

• Review of your vaccination record
• Health history and medicines review
• Discussion of pregnancy, travel, job, and contact with vulnerable people
• Blood tests only in some situations to check immunity or infection status

What to expect at your appointment

You will usually have a short conversation, sometimes with a review of records. You can ask questions and decide together. If you need a vaccine, it can often be given at the same visit or booked for a suitable time.

Treatment

The 'treatment' in this topic is prevention: vaccines protect you before you meet an infection. Your clinician helps choose vaccines based on your needs and local guidance. They also explain what to expect and how to manage common mild side effects.

Self-care at home

• Rest if you feel tired after a vaccine.
• Drink fluids and eat normally.
• Use a cool compress on a sore arm or leg.
• Move the arm gently.
• Check your vaccination record and note the date of your next dose if needed.
• Ask a pharmacist before taking any medicine for side effects.

Medical treatments

Vaccination is the main medical approach. A trained clinician or nurse gives vaccines that suit your age, health, and history. They follow local schedules and check for reasons to delay or avoid a vaccine. For mild side effects, ask a pharmacist about suitable over-the-counter options. Do not take medicines before a vaccine unless a healthcare professional advises it.

When is surgery considered?

If you have surgery planned, tell your surgical team about any recent or upcoming vaccines. Timing can sometimes matter, but this is usually discussed case by case.

Living with this condition

Keep a copy of your vaccination record and check it before travel, pregnancy, a new job, or a new health diagnosis. Planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute decisions.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your vaccination record in a safe place.
• Note travel plans early so you can check vaccine timing.
• Tell your clinician about pregnancy, new health conditions, or new medicines.
• Ask your employer or school about any vaccination requirements.
• Keep up with routine health checks.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet, regular movement, enough sleep, and not smoking support your general health. They do not replace vaccination, but they help your body cope with infections and recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Needle fear or worry about side effects is common. Tell your clinician so they can help — for example with relaxation, a lie-down position, or a longer appointment. If health worry is affecting daily life, ask about support. If you feel in crisis or unsafe, contact your local crisis service or emergency services.

Prevention

Vaccine-preventable diseases can often be prevented, or made much less severe, through vaccination.

Vaccines

Vaccines are chosen using your local immunisation schedule and your personal needs. Ask about routine vaccines for your age, seasonal vaccines, travel vaccines, vaccines in pregnancy, vaccines for health conditions, and vaccines for your job. Bring any record you have. If you missed vaccines, a clinician can usually help you catch up.

Screening programmes

Screening is not used to decide all vaccines. Sometimes a blood test can check whether you are already protected or have had an infection, for example for some jobs, pregnancy care, or travel planning. Your clinician will tell you if this applies.

Complications

If left untreated

• Choosing not to have a recommended vaccine can leave you unprotected against infections that can cause serious illness, long-term problems, or death, especially in babies, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immunity.
• Outbreaks can spread in families and communities, including to people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.

Long-term outlook

Most people can get protected or catch up on missed vaccines. If you are unsure, a conversation with your clinician or pharmacist can help you make a plan that fits your health and life.

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