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Children in Iceland receive all kinds of vaccinations to protect them from diseases. The Chief Epidemiologist decides for Iceland how best to use vaccinations and other means to protect people against diseases that can be transmitted between people.
Below are questions and answers about vaccinations. It can be good to look at them and think about them before you decide whether to get vaccinated.
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Vaccination is usually done by injecting a vaccine into a person’s arm. The vaccine is a liquid in a small syringe. It shows the body what a germ that can make people sick looks like. The immune system in our body, which helps us get better when we become sick, can then learn to recognize the germ without us actually becoming ill. This means that if we are exposed to the germ, the immune system can start getting rid of it very quickly, reducing the chance of getting sick even if we meet someone who has the germ.
Sometimes another vaccination is needed later to help the immune system remember what a particular germ looks like. This is called a booster vaccination.
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A side effect is when medicine does something more than just what it is supposed to do, usually something unpleasant. For example, if you take medication for a fever, you may feel sick to your stomach, but the fever still gets better.
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Vaccinations often cause side effects. The most common side effects are unusual tiredness, arm pain, fever, and headache. After vaccination, these side effects get better in a few days, but sometimes rest or relief from fever or pain helps. It is very rare to need help from a doctor to get rid of side effects after vaccination.
If you feel unwell shortly after the vaccination, talk about it with an adult, e.g. your parents or the school nurse.
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Vaccines are given to prevent illness if a person becomes infected with a germ that the vaccine protects against. Most vaccines protect against dangerous diseases (for example, the meningitis vaccine), diseases that can sometimes be dangerous (for example, the whooping cough vaccine), or diseases that can make people more vulnerable to serious illnesses (for example, measles and influenza vaccines).
Vaccines reduce the risk of developing a serious illness and needing to be hospitalized.
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Information about vaccines that are available for all children and young people in Iceland can be found on the website of the Chief Epidemiologist.
Some children have illnesses or health conditions that mean they need more vaccinations or different
vaccines than most children. For example, children with heart disease may need a different vaccine against the bacteria that can cause pneumonia than other children. In Iceland, recommendations for these vaccinations are called “vaccinations for priority groups.” More information can be found on the website of the Chief Epidemiologist, although children can also belong to a priority group.
Some children have illnesses or health conditions that mean they should not receive certain vaccines that most children get. For example, children with a severe egg allergy may not be able to receive the influenza vaccines used in Iceland. Children with a very weak immune system, such as children receiving chemotherapy, cannot receive live vaccines. Live vaccines used for children in Iceland include vaccines against rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, as well as the nasal spray vaccine against influenza.
Children who are going to travel may also need more vaccinations than children who do not travel outside Iceland. Information about vaccinations and other things to consider when going on a long trip can be found on the Chief Epidemiologist’s website with advice on protecting children’s health while travelling.
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The vaccines we use in Iceland have been very thoroughly researched and have been given to millions of adults and children. Side effects are rare, and the vaccines are very safe.
Some children have illnesses or health conditions that mean they should not receive certain vaccines that most children get. For example, children with a severe egg allergy may not be able to receive the influenza vaccines used in Iceland. Children with a very weak immune system, such as children receiving chemotherapy, cannot receive live vaccines. Live vaccines used for children in Iceland include vaccines against rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, as well as the nasal spray vaccine against influenza..
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You should talk about it with your parents and make the decision together. No one is forced to get a shot if they do not want one.
From the age of 16, young people in Iceland can request a vaccination themselves without their parent or legal guardian (mum, dad, or another adult responsible for you) agreeing to it.
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Vaccinations for young people are often given at schools in Iceland. In that case, you do not need anyone to come with you.
If you get vaccinated at a health clinic, a parent or legal guardian (mum, dad, or another adult who is legally responsible for you) must come with you if you are under 16 years old.
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Most vaccines are given by injection. The injection is given in the upper arm, near the shoulder. You can choose which arm you want.
Most people sit while getting vaccinated, but you can also ask to lie down. If you have ever fainted during a blood test, or if you feel very uncomfortable thinking about blood or injections, it is a good idea to lie down while you get your vaccination.
Some vaccines are given as a nasal spray. The device containing the vaccine looks like a syringe without a needle. The vaccine is sprayed into one nostril and then the other. This is very similar to using a nasal spray to clear a blocked nose when you have a cold.
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Most people find getting an injection uncomfortable, but it usually does not hurt very much. Getting a vaccination takes a very short time.
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It can be good to sit on your hands or sit on one hand and hold the hand of the person with you or hold a ball or something to squeeze. It's less uncomfortable to get an injection if that arm is relaxed; it helps to imagine it's asleep. For many, it is best to look the other way and try to think about something else.
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If you feel unwell before or after getting the injection, it is important to tell a trusted adult, such as your parents or the school nurse.
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After getting a vaccination, you need to wait for 15 minutes because some people are allergic to something in the vaccine and may develop symptoms (a rash and itching, red or swollen lips or tongue, fainting, vomiting, or difficulty breathing). The nurses (or doctors) giving the vaccination will help if this happens.
Service provider
Directorate of Health