It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have the injection. Sometimes a small painless lump develops, but this usually disappears in a few weeks. More serious effects are rare but include fever, headache, dizziness, feeling sick and swollen glands. Speak to your doctor if you are at all concerned.

If you feel unwell after the immunisation, take paracetamol. Read the instructions on the bottle or packet carefully and take the correct dose for your age. If necessary, take a second dose 4 to 6 hours later. If your temperature is still high after the second dose, speak to your GP or call the free NHS helpline 111. It is not generally recommended that these medicines are routinely given before or after vaccination in anticipation of a fever.

You will have 2 injections – 1 in each upper arm, or 2.5cm apart in the same arm. Nobody likes injections, but it is very quick. The needles used are small and you should feel only a tiny pinprick. If you are a bit nervous about having the injection, tell the nurse before you have it. Relaxing your arm should help.

There are very few teenagers who may not have the HPV, teenage booster, and MenACWY vaccines. You should talk to the school immunisation team if you have a weakened immune system because you are having treatment for a serious condition such as a transplant or cancer, if you have a condition or are taking a medication that weakens your immune system. The nurse will get specialist advice on whether you need additional doses of the HPV vaccine.

If you have a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, you should still have the immunisations. If you are ill with a fever, put the immunisations off until you have recovered. This is to avoid the fever being associated with the vaccines and the vaccines increasing the fever you already have.

Yes. If you missed your vaccination, for whatever reason, you should speak to your school immunisation team or GP surgery (if aged 14 years or older) about making another appointment.

There is no other proven, effective way to immunise yourself against infectious diseases without experiencing the serious risk of that infection. Some infections can cause serious illness, hospitalisation, and life-long disabilities.

Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect them from diseases. It's much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them.

Needle phobia is very common and is nothing to be ashamed of. Simple exercises and practice can help to overcome it.

• Talk to the nurse so they know how to help make it easier for you. It might be that you would prefer to attend a community clinic instead of having the vaccination in school.
• Make sure you’ve eaten and are well hydrated before coming for your vaccinations.
• Use distraction techniques such as listening to music, watching something on your phone, bringing a friend to the appointment.
• Use breathing techniques if you’re feeling anxious – sit up straight in a comfortable position and let your shoulders and jaw relax. Put one hand low on your stomach. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this for five breaths.