🩺👶 Paediatric medicine: helsestasjon, fastlege, vaccinations (overview for newcomers)

⚠️ This material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Vaccination schedules and procedures are subject to change — check Helsenorge and FHI before taking any action.

📖 Why read this

If you have just moved or are preparing to move: we will explain where to go with your child for preventive care and treatment, how extended care works in the evenings/on weekends, where to keep your ‘electronic vaccination card,’ and what to put in your basic first aid kit.

🏥 Points of entry into the system

👶 Helsestasjon (0–5 years): preventive care and vaccinations

Municipal health centres for children run a free programme for 0–5 year olds: height/weight, development, advice for parents and vaccinations according to the national schedule. Invitations to scheduled check-ups are sent automatically.

Children and adolescents are also assigned ‘health contacts’ through school/youth centres; some municipalities are connected to Helsenorge for convenient communication.

👨‍⚕️ Fastlege (family doctor): first line of care

Children are assigned a family doctor; if desired, they can choose the same GP as their parent or a different one. Online services are available on Helsenorge: appointments, prescription renewals, e-consultations if supported by the clinic.

Medical care from a GP and in hospital is free for children under 16.

🚑 Ambulance and emergency numbers

In the evening, at night and on weekends, call the legevakt (24 hours a day): single number 116 117. In life-threatening situations, call 113.

💉 Vaccinations: where to look and what to know

Vaccinations in the children's programme are free of charge; the current schedule is published by FHI and ECDC. Check the schedule before your visit.

You can find your electronic vaccination history and vaccination card (in Norwegian/English) at Helsenorge → Vaccines; where parents can also see records for children under 16.

📝 Preparing for visits

• Digital: go to Helsenorge, check your child's profile and access to their data (parents can usually act on behalf of children under 16).
• Documents: list of medications/allergies, prescriptions, pharmacy number.
• Questions for the doctor: briefly describe the symptoms and when they started; a mini diary of temperature/sleep/appetite is useful.
• Moving: prepare translations of key medical documents into English/Norwegian (diagnoses, vaccinations).

🗣️ Communication and language

If you are not confident in the language, you are entitled to a qualified interpreter. The medical service will book and pay for the interpreter; children and relatives should not act as interpreters. Telephone/video options are available. Please indicate if you need an interpreter when booking.

🧰 Home first aid kit (basic)

• Fever reducer with dosage according to weight (check with your GP/instructions), thermometer.
• Plasters, antiseptic wipes, cream for irritation.
• Saline spray/nose solution (according to age), measuring spoon/syringe.

⚠️ These are general guidelines, not a prescription. For medication, dosages and age restrictions, please consult your fastlege.

✅ Parent checklist

• Contact details for helsestasjon / fastlege / legevakt 116 117 / 113 — in your phone and on the fridge.
• Updated electronic vaccination card on Helsenorge (can be printed in EN/NO).
• Small ‘outing kit’: wipes, water, mini first aid kit, spare socks.
• Helsenorge/ID-porten settings for acting on behalf of your child.