Q2 Campaign: Facts about the vaccines and who is recommended to take a booster dose

In this year’s Q2 campaign, Aker Care wants to focus on the importance of re-vaccination. High vaccination coverage in the population contributes to better public health, lower consumption and usage of antibiotics as well as protecting the individual from serious illness. Adults should, generally, be re-vaccinated every 10 years. Aker Care therefore offers booster vaccinations to our employees.

The Norwegian Childhood Immunization Program applies to everyone from birth to 16 years of age, in adulthood you must take responsibility for refreshing your immunizations yourself. Not all vaccines provide lifelong protection, and some vaccines should therefore be boosted.

Booster vaccination is recommended both for individual protection against serious disease and to maintain a high level of protection in the population, so-called herd immunity. The Norwegian institute of public health therefore recommends re-vaccination every 10 years against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough (pertussis).

I have followed the childhood immunization program; do I need any vaccines now?
Not all vaccines you take as a child provide lifelong protection. Some vaccines need a booster. Check your vaccination status on Helsenorge, or fill in this form/questionnaire.

Who should be re-vaccinated against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio?
– All persons who have been vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio should receive a booster dose every 10 years.
– Adults who have not previously been vaccinated with three doses of vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio should ensure that they receive this (basic vaccination).
– This applies to all adults, including people who are not planning to travel abroad.

Who should take the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine)?
– All adults who have not been vaccinated or have had the disease measles should be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine. There is no need for a booster vaccine.
– Adults who are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine according to the childhood immunization program do not need additional doses of vaccine.

• Adults born before 1960: The probability of having undergone the disease measles is so high that the MMR vaccine is not considered necessary.
• Adults born from and including 1960 to 1969: The vast majority have had measles. Some lack protection against measles because they have neither been vaccinated nor have had the disease. If in doubt, they are recommended to take one dose of the MMR vaccine.
• Adults born in 1970 or later: Those who know they have followed the Norwegian childhood immunization program do not need an additional dose. Those born in 1970 or later who have not followed the childhood immunization program or are unsure whether they have followed the program, or who do not know whether they have undergone the diseases in question. For these, it is recommended to take one dose of the MMR vaccine.

How can I find out which vaccines I have received?
Check your vaccination status on Helsenorge
If you were born before 1995, it is not certain that your childhood vaccinations are registered at Helsenorge (only 5 counties were involved in the project with registration from 1976-1995). Alternatively, you can look for your childhood vaccination card. You can also ask your parents if they remember that you have followed the childhood immunization program.

To see which days vaccination is scheduled at your location and to book an appointment – click here.

Below you can see two short videos with our own Aker Care doctors explaining more about the vaccines:

Read more about the diseases the vaccines protect against here.