Vaccinations: Are records kept?

"I can't find any written records of my vaccinations? What should I do?"

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

Keep a record of vaccinations in a diary or drawer. If your GP vaccinated you, he'll have noted it in your medical records (or try the surgery's computer). If you had them done elsewhere or abroad, you are unlikely to find the record easily. The NHS struggles to trace its records, and it doesn't record non-NHS vaccinations. Try to find out if you had the full course of tetanus jabs and oral polio immunisations and boosters up to the age of 18, or if you've had any tetanus boosters since. If you're unsure if you've had five doses of polio and tetanus, have boosters before you travel, because immunisation fully protects against both diseases.

Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.