Immunisation for life
Did you know, to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, you need immunisations throughout your life, not just in childhood.
Everyone’s HALO is different
Your immunisation needs are influenced by your:
Health – health issues such as premature birth, asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, spleen or kidney conditions will mean you can benefit from immunisation.
Age – at different ages you need protection from different diseases.
Lifestyle – lifestyle choices like travelling overseas, playing contact sport, sexual activity or smoking, will mean you can benefit from immunisation.
Occupation – some jobs expose you to a greater risk of contact with diseases, for example, working in a hospital or day care centre. This means you can benefit from immunisation.
It is important to be immunised
Immunisation is a proven and safe way to be protected against diseases that cause serious illness and sometimes death. Every day, immunisation saves lives and makes it possible for Victorians to live free from the illness and the disability caused by many vaccine-preventable diseases. By reducing the spread of the disease, immunisation not only protects those people who have been immunised, but it also protects those in the community who may be unable to receive vaccines themselves.
Vaccine side effects
Common side effects may occur soon after immunisation and last one to two days. Generally, no treatment is required. Your doctor will discuss these with you during your immunisation appointment. Severe side effects, such as an allergic reaction, are very rare and usually happen soon after immunisation. To be safe, your doctor will ask you to stay for 15 minutes after you are immunised.
Things to remember
- Each person has unique immunisation needs.
- What vaccinations you need is determined by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation.
- Talk to your doctor about your immunisation needs.
Source: Better Health Channel
