Why We Get Vaccines PSHE lesson
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 5 and 6 that helps UK teachers introduce vaccines and health protection through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn why vaccines are used, how they help protect individuals and communities, and how to ask questions or seek help with health topics they are unsure about. The lesson gives teachers a calm, factual way to talk about vaccines alongside everyday healthy habits, without needing specialist medical knowledge.
Keeping Safe & First Aid
Snapshot
Why We Get Vaccines
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce vaccines using clear, age-appropriate language.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding how vaccines protect individual and community health
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise that vaccines help protect the body against certain illnesses
Recognise common questions or worries pupils may have about vaccines
Recognise that healthy habits, such as diet and hygiene, also support overall health
Understand
Understand why vaccines are recommended for individuals and for the wider community
Understand that staying healthy involves several everyday choices, not one single action
Practise
Practise asking questions about health topics they do not fully understand
Practise identifying a trusted adult or professional they can speak to about health worries
Practise using simple, factual language when discussing vaccines and health
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Year 5 and 6 pupils who are building their understanding of personal health, vaccines and everyday healthy habits.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
health education sessions
pastoral care, circle time or form time
health and wellbeing topic weeks
science or health related learning about the body
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing vaccines as a health topic Use when pupils need simple, factual language for why vaccines are used.
Building healthy habits learning Use when reinforcing broader messages about nutrition, hygiene and lifestyle choices.
Answering pupils' questions about health Use when pupils are curious or unsure and need reliable, age-appropriate answers.
Preparing for a school immunisation programme Use ahead of a scheduled vaccination session so pupils feel informed and prepared.
Supporting a wider PSHE health sequence Use as part of a planned unit on personal health and staying well.
Reinforcing help seeking around health Use when pupils need to know who to ask if they have a health worry or question.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils benefit from simple, factual language for understanding why vaccines are used, rather than picking up incomplete information elsewhere. Health literacy is not only about knowing facts. It also helps pupils feel more confident, ask sensible questions and know who to turn to when they are unsure about something related to their health. This lesson supports a calm, informed classroom conversation about vaccines, helping pupils see them as one part of a wider set of healthy habits that keep them and others well.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Health literacy Pupils learn simple, accurate facts about why vaccines are used.
Confidence Pupils practise talking about health topics without feeling worried or unsure.
Help seeking Pupils identify who to ask when they have a health question or concern.
Critical thinking Pupils consider how vaccines support both personal and community health.
Community awareness Pupils recognise how individual health choices can affect others.
Calm decision making Pupils practise responding to health information in a steady, factual way.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to share personal or family medical information during discussion
Keep the focus on general health information rather than personal vaccination decisions
Prepare simple, factual answers for common questions pupils may raise
Identify a trusted adult, such as a school nurse or GP, pupils can be directed to for further questions
During delivery
Use general examples rather than asking pupils to describe their own vaccination history
Keep the tone calm and factual, avoiding language that makes vaccines sound frightening
Allow time for pupils to ask questions or raise things they are unsure about
Reinforce that vaccines are one part of staying healthy alongside nutrition and hygiene
Supporting safe discussion
Use privacy and respectful discussion norms, with no naming classmates or family members
Avoid asking pupils to speak on behalf of their family's beliefs or experiences
Direct specific medical questions to a trusted adult, school nurse or GP rather than answering them in class
Adaptation options
Use simpler language and more visual prompts for pupils who need extra support
Extend discussion for pupils ready to explore how vaccines protect wider communities
Allow pupils to respond through discussion or written reflection depending on confidence
If a pupil shares something that suggests they feel unsafe or unwell, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead.
