Vaccines are biological products that train the immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases. They usually contain parts of pathogens or weakened pathogens to stimulate the immune response.

Vaccines protect both the individual being vaccinated and society as a whole by reducing the incidence of disease and helping to achieve herd immunity.

In Norway, the most common vaccines given to children include vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib infections, pneumococci, measles, mumps, rubella and HPV.

Common side effects of vaccines include mild reactions such as fever, irritability and pain at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare.

Yes, vaccines used in Norway undergo extensive testing before they are approved, and are continuously monitored for safety and effectiveness.

It is important to follow the vaccination program to ensure that children and society are protected against serious diseases, as well as to achieve high vaccination coverage and herd immunity.

Herd immunity is achieved when a large part of the population is vaccinated and thus protected against the disease. This reduces the spread of disease and also protects those who cannot be vaccinated.

The duration of immunity after vaccination varies depending on the vaccine and individual factors, but many vaccines provide long-term or lifelong protection.

Live attenuated vaccines contain live but weakened viruses or bacteria, while killed vaccines contain dead or inactivated viruses or bacteria.

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against a particular disease, so that it can recognize and fight the pathogen more quickly and effectively upon future exposure.

Vaccination coverage refers to the proportion of the population that is vaccinated against a particular disease. High vaccination coverage is important to protect society and reduce the spread of disease.

Vaccine opponents are individuals or groups who oppose vaccination for various reasons, including concerns about side effects, mistrust of the government, or belief in alternative medicine.

Reliable information about vaccines can be found on the websites of public health authorities, such as the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) , and on the websites of recognized medical organizations such as the WHO and the CDC.

The latest vaccines available (2024) may vary, but some of the latest include vaccines against COVID-19 and other emerging diseases such as dengue and Ebola.

Tick ​​encephalitis (TBE) is a disease transmitted by tick bites. The vaccine against TBE helps to protect against infection by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.

Vaccination against TBE is recommended for people living in or traveling to areas where the disease is prevalent, to reduce the risk of being infected by the TBE virus.

The tick vaccine is usually given as a series of injections over several months, followed by booster doses to maintain protection.

The duration of protection after the forest tick vaccine can last for several years, depending on the vaccination schedule and individual factors.

Common side effects of the tick vaccine may include pain at the injection site, mild fever and general discomfort. Serious side effects are rare.

Always inform your doctor that you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is usually safe to take the tick vaccine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially if there is a high risk of TBE infection.

Vaccination against TBE should be done before the tick season starts, usually in the spring.

You can get a prescription easily via a digital form-based consultation with Dr. Dropin and have the vaccine administered at your local pharmacy. If you want to discuss the vaccine with a doctor, you can talk to a doctor on video or in one of our clinics.

The risk of contracting TBE without a vaccine depends on the area where you live or travel, as well as your exposure to tick bites.

To reduce the risk of tick bites, avoid areas with a lot of vegetation, wear protective clothing and insect repellent, and check yourself and children for ticks after outdoor activities.

After receiving the forest tick vaccine, you should still take regular precautions to avoid tick bites and protect yourself from other tick-borne diseases.

People with allergies or underlying health problems should consult their doctor before taking the tick vaccine to assess the risks and benefits.

Forest tick vaccine (TBE) only protects against the TBE virus and does not provide protection against other tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.

Meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning.

In Norway, vaccines are offered that protect against meningococcal serogroup B and serogroup ACWY.

Vaccination against meningitis is usually recommended for children, young people and people traveling to areas with an increased risk of infection.

The vaccination schedule can vary depending on age and risk factors, but usually includes doses in childhood and booster doses in the teenage years

Common side effects include mild reactions such as pain at the injection site, fever and discomfort. Serious side effects are rare.

You can easily get a prescription for the vaccine via a digital consultation with a doctor at Dr. Dropin. The vaccine is given at your local pharmacy. Some schools offer their pupils the vaccine, check with your school if it is applicable for you.

The duration of protection may vary depending on the vaccine and individual factors, but multiple doses and booster doses may be required to maintain protection.

Vaccination during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be safe, but it is recommended to consult a doctor first to assess the risks and benefits.

Vaccine against meningitis can protect against the most common serogroups of meningococcal bacteria, but it is important to be aware that there are several different serogroups and vaccines protect against specific types.

The incidence of meningococcal disease can vary, but it is relatively rare in Norway compared to other countries.

People with allergies or underlying health problems should consult a doctor before vaccination to assess the risks and benefits.

To reduce the risk of meningococcal disease without a vaccine, you should avoid contact with people who are sick, maintain good hand hygiene, and avoid sharing personal items.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses, where some types are sexually transmitted and can cause genital warts or cancer of the mouth, pharynx, labia, cervix or penis.

Many people can go with the virus for a long time without symptoms, but when the virus is active, genital warts or cell changes can form in the deeper layers of the skin. Over a long period of time, this can develop into cancer if left untreated. Cell changes cause symptoms such as coloured discharge such as odour, small bleeding from the vagina, bleeding after intercourse or during physical activity, and pain/discomfort from the abdomen or lower back.

It provides good and long-lasting protection against infection by the types of HPV viruses that cause cervical and penile cancer, and therefore helps to prevent the development of these types of cancer.

It is common to get a little ache in the arm where the vaccine was put, some experience that the skin here becomes a little red and warm. Others may have a rash, headache, mild cold symptoms, stomach cramps or nausea. These are common side effects, completely harmless and short-lived.

It is not too late, even those who are older and have made their sexual debut have a good and long-lasting effect of the vaccine, even if they have previously had an infection with HPV.

Everyone can take the vaccine regardless of age, but it is included in the childhood vaccination program as it is considered beneficial to be vaccinated and protected before making a sexual debut.

Gardasil-9 and Cervarix are both vaccines that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), but they contain different combinations of HPV strains and are developed by different manufacturers.

Gardasil-9 protects against nine different types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. These HPV types are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, as well as other HPV-related diseases such as genital warts and certain cancers of the genital organs.

Cervarix only protects against the two most common cancer-causing HPV types, 16 and 18, which together cause approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases.

Both vaccines are recommended to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, but Gardasil-9 provides broader protection against a greater number of HPV types, including those responsible for genital warts. The choice between Gardasil-9 and Cervarix may depend on availability, individual health needs and doctor's recommendations.

It may be a good idea to check the latest recommendations from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health regarding the HPV vaccine in Norway to keep you up to date.

The HPV vaccine is given as injections, usually in two or three doses depending on the age of the person being vaccinated.

Without a vaccine, the risk of HPV infection is present, and it can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

To reduce the risk of HPV infection without the vaccine, you should practice safe sex, use a condom, and avoid sexual activity with people who are infected with HPV.