Immunisations

This section of the website contains information about how immunisations work and why they are important. It also outlines the UK childhood immunisation programme, explains how to get yourself and your children immunised against major diseases and provides contact details for organisations that provide further support and information.

How do immunisations work?

When you are immunised, you are given a vaccine which stimulates your immune system to develop antibodies to combat that particular infection, without you actually getting the disease itself. 

Vaccines contain either parts or whole microbes that have been killed or weakened. When your immune system meets these harmless versions of the germs, it quickly clears them from your body and develops immunity to any further attacks from the real infection.

Why do we need immunisations?

Immunisation is the only way to protect people, and especially children, from serious diseases. If a person is immunised, they are protected from that disease and they cannot pass it on to their family, friends and other close contacts.

Types of immunisation

Please click on the links below to find out more about the types of immunisations.

You can email your immunisation queries to the NHS Leeds Immunisation Team at: leedsimmunisationteam@nhs.net