Are you protected against infectious diseases?

Measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough are serious diseases and can be life-threatening. Before vaccines were available, many children and adults in Sweden became seriously ill or died as a result of these diseases.

Today, almost everyone who was born in Sweden is vaccinated. This is a major reason why there are so few serious infectious diseases in circulation, and why so few children die in Sweden.

Because these diseases are now rare in Sweden, it is easy to forget how serious they can be. It is important that everyone who can is vaccinated – otherwise these diseases could begin to spread again.

By getting vaccinated:

• you protect yourself
• you protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborn babies
• you help to prevent the spread of these diseases

Contact a healthcare centre to make an appointment for
vaccination!

You do not need to make an appointment at a healthcare centre for children. Children who go to school are offered vaccinations at school. Smaller children are offered vaccinations at a healthcare centre for children.

Questions and answers

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a type of medicine that provides protection against serious diseases. By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill.

I don’t know if I’ve been vaccinated or not – what should I do?

Contact a healthcare centre for advice.

I have already had one or more of these diseases - do I need to get vaccinated?

Yes, you need to get vaccinated against those diseases you haven't had.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that causes, among other things, high fever and a skinrash on the body. It is a disease that can be very serious – even life-threatening. It can also lead to pneumonia or encephalitis.

What is rubella?

Rubella is an infectious viral disease. Cases of rubella are usually mild, but if a pregnant woman becomes infected, it can cause severe harm to the foetus - mainly affecting the heart, brain, vision
and hearing.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a highly infectious viral infection. Mumps can sometimes lead to meningitis or testicular inflammation, although this is rare.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a disease caused by a bacterium that secretes a toxin. The toxin can damage many of the body's organs, such as the heart and kidneys. Diphtheria usually starts with a throat
infection. You may experience a fever, a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. After a couple of days, it is common to develop a cough with phlegm, a persistent runny nose with bloody
discharge, and breathing difficulties. Diphtheria is life-threatening if you do not receive treatment.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a very serious wound infection caused by bacteria that causes your muscles to cramp and makes it hard to breathe. The infection usually begins in a wound that has come into contact
with bacteria that are found in soil. Tetanus is life-threatening if you do not receive prompt treatment.

What is polio?

Polio is a viral disease that can cause paralysis. Most people experience mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting. It can sometimes cause muscles to become
paralysed. It can also affect breathing, in which case it becomes life-threatening.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an infectious disease that causes severe and prolonged coughing. For young children, whooping cough can be a very serious and sometimes life-threatening disease. They
experience severe coughing attacks that can lead to respiratory arrest and oxygen deprivation. Other serious symptoms include convulsions and loss of consciousness.