An adult encounters thousands of pathogens every day. The immune system provides protection against them and works continuously, often without us noticing. Vaccination helps the body recognise threats and respond to them effectively. Many diseases have disappeared from the world because populations have been vaccinated at a sufficient level.
Vaccination creates immunity similar to that gained through a natural infection. This means that when a vaccinated person is later exposed to the same disease, the body is able to destroy harmful microorganisms before they multiply extensively. In this way, vaccination prevents infections from spreading. The purpose of booster vaccinations is to maintain a sufficient level of protective antibodies to prevent infectious diseases.
Vaccination in Pharmacies
In Estonia, vaccinations are available at family doctors’ offices, vaccination clinics, and pharmacies. In 2025, 55 pharmacies offer vaccination services against influenza, COVID-19, and tick-borne encephalitis, as well as booster vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus for adults.
Learn more about vaccination in pharmacies at vaktsineeriapteegis.ee
Influenza
Influenza is an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by influenza A and B viruses. Each year, a large number of people become ill. In most cases the illness is mild, but sometimes influenza can lead to severe complications and premature death.
According to WHO and ECDC experts, influenza causes 40,000 to 220,000 deaths worldwide each year, and in every flu season an estimated 5–15% of a country’s population becomes infected. During the 2022–2023 influenza season in Estonia (October–May), more than 26,600 cases were registered, 1,367 people required hospital care, 65 people died from complications, and treatment costs exceeded 5 million euros.
Influenza spreads from person to person through droplets released when coughing or sneezing, as well as through contaminated hands or surfaces (e.g., door handles).
Complications can occur in anyone, but are most common in high-risk groups. These may include pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, dehydration, and worsening of chronic illnesses such as heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. In older adults, influenza may contribute to or worsen cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (heart attack and stroke).
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected tick. The virus affects the central nervous system and may lead to serious neurological complications. Among patients with central nervous system involvement, 26–46% experience long-term effects such as coordination problems, paralysis, headaches, and concentration or memory disorders. There is no specific treatment for tick-borne encephalitis.
Most patients recover, but the disease may leave lasting impairment. Tick-borne encephalitis can be fatal in 0–1.4% of cases. Recovery usually results in lifelong immunity.
In addition to tick-borne encephalitis, at least two other tick-borne diseases are known in Estonia: Lyme disease (borreliosis) and ehrlichiosis.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus genetically similar to SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus). Symptoms are non-specific and vary widely. The disease may be asymptomatic, but it can also cause severe pneumonia and—in risk groups—may be fatal.
The course of COVID-19 is unpredictable and may affect the long-term health and quality of life of both younger and older people.
All vaccines available in Estonia reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, especially among high-risk individuals.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial disease affecting the throat, larynx, and nasal mucosa and can be fatal. It spreads through direct contact or via airborne droplets when coughing or sneezing. The disease typically affects the upper respiratory tract or skin, and less commonly the eyes or genital mucosa. Anyone—regardless of age—can become infected.
Patients suspected of having diphtheria must be hospitalised immediately, and individuals who have been in close contact should be monitored.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial infection characterised by painful muscle spasms. The bacteria live in soil, dust, manure, and decomposing organic matter.
Risk of tetanus may arise from abrasions, cuts, puncture wounds, splinters, or insect and animal bites. Chronic wounds contaminated with tetanus bacteria may also lead to infection.
Tetanus does not spread from person to person.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is a large group of viruses—more than 200 types exist—that can infect different parts of the body, including the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis, mouth, and throat.
About 80% of sexually active individuals become infected with HPV at some point without knowing it, because infection often resolves without symptoms or complications.
HPV spreads primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Transmission may also occur through intimate skin-to-skin contact, meaning infection is possible even without penetrative intercourse. In rare cases, HPV can be transmitted from mother to infant during childbirth.
Condom use reduces, but does not fully eliminate, the risk of infection.
In most individuals, the immune system clears the virus within months or years. However, in some cases the virus persists and may develop into cancer, especially when high-risk HPV types are involved. The development of HPV-related cancers typically takes 20 years or more.
Risk factors include early onset of sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, immunosuppression (including HIV), and co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections.