Benefits for you
As children develop they are exposed to many risks, one of these risks being infections. Most of these will cause mild illnesses. However, despite great medical advances, infection can still cause severe illness, disability and, at times, death.
Before vaccines were available, many children in the UK died from diseases such as whooping cough, measles and polio.
Despite successful immunisation programmes, the diseases that vaccines protect against do still exist.
The benefit of immunisation is that your child has the best possible protection against dangerous diseases. This can give you peace of mind.
How does immunisation work?
Watch a short animation that explains how immunisation works to protect us all:
© NHS Immunisation, Department of Health
If you can't see this animation, you may need to download:
