Vaccines.
Vaccines are an amazing development and together with clean water they are the most important things that are keeping the world’s population healthy. To learn more about when different vaccines were discovered follow this link to a vaccine time line:
An immunisation or vaccine contains a small part of the bacterium or virus that causes a disease, or tiny amounts of the chemicals the bacterium produces.
Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to make antibodies (substances to fight specific infections and diseases). So if you come into contact with the real infection after receiving a vaccine, the antibodies will recognise it and protect you. Watch the video below for more information:
Immunisations are given in school by a healthcare professional who is experienced at giving injections. It’s given in the upper arm, but don’t worry it’s quick!
Before you can have the vaccination your parent / carer will need to complete and return the e-consent form. This is really quick and easy and can be done on most devices. The form can be found at: www.surreyimmunisations.co.uk. Your parent / carer will need to enter your school’s unique code/URN number which you will receive or can ask in school for.
It’s OK to make the decision yourself but make sure you have all of the information and talk to the immunisation nurse on the day who will help to answer any questions.
You must complete an e-consent form online! You can tell us if you don’t want the vaccine on the online form.
More information is available here for you and your parents and carers:
Why do I need to have immunisations?
The UK we has one of the most successful immunisation programmes in the world. This means that dangerous diseases, such as polio, have disappeared in the UK.
But these diseases could come back – they’re still around in many countries throughout the world. That’s why it’s so important to get protected. If you can’t catch a disease, then you can’t pass it on to others. This means you are also helping to keep your family and friends healthy!
Which Immunisation do I need in secondary school?
- Boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years – HPV
- Boys and girls aged 14 years DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and Meningitis ACWY