Vaccinations and Immunizations: A Complete Guide for Children and Adults

Prevention of disease has often been achieved through the use of vaccinations and immunizations. Vaccines are used to introduce a live attenuated or killed form of an organism into the body that will stimulate the immune system to recognise the organism and produce a response, which in turn, is likely to protect the individual from becoming seriously ill or developing complications. Immunisation programmes have been successful in preventing children and adults from many diseases.

Immunisation requirements will change throughout an individual‘s life. Children and infants will be vaccinated on a regular basis, with additional booster and influenza vaccination in older children; adult requirements are:

This leaflet is intended to explain the reasons for having vaccinations, which vaccines are administered at birth and during childhood and adulthood, which vaccines are suggested at various ages, influenza and Covid-19 vaccines, the vaccine for Tetanus, travel vaccinations and how to maintain a record of vaccination outdated.

Note:  Vaccine schedule recommendations vary for each country, for each age and medical history for everyone.  However, it is always best to follow the advice of your physician as well as information from the local public health agencies.

Why Are Vaccinations Important?

Vaccines can trigger the immune system into recognizing particular infections. This allows the body to develop an immune response even in the absence of the diseases full effect. Vaccinations can help:

• Reduce the risk of certain infectious diseases.
• Lower the risk of serious complications from some infections.
• Protect people at different stages of life.
• Reduce the spread of some vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Protect vulnerable individuals within communities.

The recommended vaccines for a person depend on several factors, including:

• Age
• Previous vaccination history
• Health conditions
• Pregnancy status
• Occupation
• Travel plans
• Local disease risks

Follow through all the timetabled immunizations to ensure you are keeping up to date with your immunizations.

Adult Vaccinations and Immunizations

Vaccination is not a once-and-forget-in-childhood affair. As adults we also need some vaccines (or booster doses) to maintain protection.

Common adult vaccination needs may include protection against diseases such as:

• Influenza
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• COVID-19
• Shingles
• Pneumococcal disease

In general, the right vaccine depends on age and past history.

Why Adults May Need Vaccines

And sometimes may be diminished in time, as booster doses are needed for some vaccines.

Adults may also need vaccines because:

• New vaccines become available.
• Disease risks change with age.
• Travel increases exposure risks.
• Certain health conditions affect immune protection.
• Occupational exposure creates additional risks.

A nurse or other medical worker can check your immunization record and suggest updates.

Childhood Vaccinations

Childhood immunization is considered an integral part of the preventive pediatric health care.

Infants and children are vaccinated at appropriate points in their development so as to enable them to be protected when most useful.

Routine childhood vaccination schedules may include protection against diseases such as:

• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Certain types of bacterial infections

The precise arrangement varies to the by country.

Why Childhood Vaccinations Matter

Effective 16 February 2004 there is an increased risk of complications with certain infections in young children.

Following the recommended schedule helps provide protection during important stages of growth and development.

Parents should maintain a record of the child‘s immunizations and go for regular well-baby visits.

Recommended Vaccines by Age

The vaccines that are advised for a person really change over the course of life.

The following table provides a general overview.

Any particular recommendations should always be confirmed with a suitably qualified healthcare practitioner or local public health body.

Flu Vaccination

Influenza (also known as the Flu) is a contagious respiratory infection with possible symptoms of weakness up to death.

In many countries, a seasonal recommendation of Flu vaccination is made.

Why Flu Vaccination May Be Important

Influenza viruses will change over time. Influenza vaccines manufactured for use in any season may be reformulated so as to protect the target population against subsequent strains.

If guidelines allow, flu vaccination could be particularly beneficial for those at greatest risk of complications.

These may include:

• Older adults
• Young children
• Pregnant individuals
• People with certain medical conditions

The period at which the injectable vaccine should be given may vary according to the severity of the influenza season locally.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination were revised over time as the nature of the COVID-19 and its vaccines evolved.

Current guidance may depend on:

• Age
• Health status
• Previous vaccination history
• Current circulating variants
• Local public health recommendations

Some people will be told to re-dose according to their risk.

Since recommendations may be updated, you need to ask what your local health authorities or general practitioner recommend.

Who May Need Additional Protection?

Although current guidelines differ in their recommendations, those at higher risk of severe disease might also need extra protection:

A doctor can explain which options are best for specific health concerns.

Tetanus and Other Routine Vaccines

Tetanus is a potentially deadly disease caused by toxin production by specific bacteria.

The tetanus vaccine is often given as part of combination vaccines that may offer protection against other infections.

Tetanus Boosters

Protection from certain vaccines can wear off.

Therefore, the adult may require booster doses as currently recommended.

A Health professional may also assess tetanus vaccination after particular injuries.

Other Routine Vaccines

Depending on individual circumstances, routine immunizations may include vaccines related to:

• Diphtheria
• Pertussis
• Shingles
• Pneumococcal disease
• Other vaccine-preventable illnesses

Speak to your doctor about which vaccines are recommended.

Travel Vaccinations

Travelling abroad can expose you to diseases that are particular to that part of the world.

Some locations have particular vaccination advisories or expectations.

Travel vaccines may depend on:

• Destination
• Length of travel
• Activities
• Accommodation
• Season
• Age
• Medical history

Examples of Travel-Related Vaccines

Depending on the destination, travelers may need protection against diseases such as:

• Yellow fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Certain forms of meningococcal disease
• Other region-specific infections

Some countries may ask for specific vaccinations.

Plan Ahead

The planning of travel vaccination should ideally start well before.

Some vaccines require some time for immune response to be generated or may need multiple doses.

Consult with a health care professional (or a travel medicine clinic) before traveling abroad.

Keeping Your Vaccination Records Updated

Having a record of what vaccinations you have had can help you and your doctor to keep track of what immunizations you have been given.

A vaccination record may include:

• Vaccine name
• Date of vaccination
• Number of doses
• Healthcare provider information

Why Records Are Important

Updated records can be useful for:

• School enrollment
• Employment requirements
• International travel
• Routine healthcare
• Determining whether booster doses are needed

Parents can retain copies of their child‘s documentation of immunization.

Adults are advised to retain copies of their vaccination records if they can be obtained.

Tips for Organizing Records

You can:

• Keep a paper copy in a safe place.
• Ask your healthcare provider for updated records.
• Use an official digital health record when available.
• Update records after receiving a new vaccine.

Common Vaccine Categories

Common Questions About Vaccinations

Are vaccines only for children?

No. Vaccination requirements can persist for a lifetime. Adults might require boosters, seasonal vaccines and vaccines based on age/ risk group.

How do I know which vaccines I need?

A health professional will take into account your age, past health history and current vaccine record in view of your personal risk factors.

What if I do not have my vaccination records?

Check whether records are obtainable by ringing up previous doctors, schools or the health authority of the locality. Additional advice about what should be done can be provided by a doctor.

Do vaccines have side effects?

In common with other medicines, vaccines can cause reactions. Most reactions are mild and transient.

A healthcare professional will be able to tell you about the benefits of a vaccine and explain the side effects.

Can I receive multiple vaccines?

There are scenarios where two or more immuniztions are co-administred on the same visit. The right method will be decided by the vaccines being given and individual person‘s situation.

Are travel vaccines different from routine vaccines?

Some of the travel vaccines are not included in your routine vaccination. These are suggested depending on where you intend to travel to and what you are likely to get up to.

Should I delay vaccination if I am traveling?

Further questions to ask might include “how long after vaccination can I expect to be protected? ” Some vaccinations are not immediately effective.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Vaccinations?

Speak with a healthcare professional if you:

• Are unsure about your vaccination history.
• Need to update routine vaccines.
• Are planning international travel.
• Have a chronic health condition.
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Have concerns about vaccine ingredients or previous reactions.
• Need vaccination documentation for school or work.
• Want to know which vaccines are recommended for your age.

A healthcare provider may be able to access your individual health information and make an appropriate immunization plan.

Final Thoughts

Vaccination and immunisation are not just for children.  During lifetime there can be a progression from the standard childhood immunisation, to additional boosters in an adult, the annual booster for influenza, travel abroad and the requirement for the COVID-19 vaccine.

By trying to keep vaccination record up to date and maintaining contact with the GP it may be easier to remember the recommended immunisations.

Information concerning vaccination should be accessible from health care professionals and public health authorities. This information should be updated, exact, complete, accurate, and consistent as they vary by country and are subject to change.