Immunisation saves lives. The World Health Organization estimates that 3 million lives are saved every year worldwide through immunisation.
It is important that all children and babies are fully immunised to protect them from potentially serious diseases. Once common illnesses, such as diphtheria and tetanus, are now rare in the UK because of immunisation. But while polio has been eliminated in Europe, the threat of other diseases, such as measles and meningitis, has not gone away in the UK today.
Parents with worries or queries about any aspect of their child's immunisations should discuss them with their Doctor, Health Visitor or Practice Nurse.
Adults also benefit from immunisation. Some people will need immunisations to protect their health in work or if travelling. For those at increased risk to complications of influenza, the annual flu vaccine is recommended. A Pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended to help protect people at increased risk of pneumococcal disease.
Find out more:
The complete routine immunisation schedule for Wales from September 2023