Vaccinations

Why are vaccines so important?

Vaccines are crucial for keeping us healthy. They work by helping our immune system learn how to fight specific germs, which lowers the changes of getting sick. When many people get vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated, like people with certain health conditions. Vaccinations have successfully eliminated or greatly reduced serious diseases like measles, polio, and smallpox, saving many lives and preventing hospital visits. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also help our communities stay safe and healthy.

Here’s a quick illustration on the timeline of how and when vaccines were developed: Vaccine timeline

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent and protect children and adults from many infectious diseases. There are four main vaccination programmes:

Vaccinations can take place within the GP surgery, community pharmacies, outreach clinics and for school aged children through the School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) which is contracted to Kernow CIC for Devon and Cornwall. You can check your vaccination record through the NHS app. For some vaccinations, you can access catch-up services for a period of time after the vaccination was due.

When to vaccinate?

The University of Oxford’s Vaccine Knowledge Project breaks down vaccines by age and risk group, providing clear and scientific-based information for when you need it! The UKHSA has also provided a useful Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule, as well as the NHS: NHS vaccinations and when to have them.