Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio (DTP) and Meningitis ACWY Vaccination 2023/24

Tetanus is a painful disease affecting the nervous system which can lead to muscle spasms, cause breathing problems and can kill. It is caused when germs found in the soil and manure get into the body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus cannot be passed from person to person.

Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems. It can damage the heart and nervous system, and in severe cases, it can kill.

Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system which can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill.

The 3-in-1 teenage booster is offered to all young people at approximately 14 years old, as part of the national immunisation programme.

It's routinely given at secondary school (in school year 9) at the same time as the Meningitis ACWY vaccine. Children will usually have received 3 doses as a baby, a further 4th dose before starting school and this fifth dose to complete the course. The fifth dose boosts immunity into adulthood.

The 3-in-1 teenage booster is a very safe vaccine. As with all vaccines, some people may have minor side effects, such as swelling, redness or tenderness where the injection is given. Sometimes a small painless lump develops, but it usually disappears in a few weeks. The brand name of the 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine given in the UK is Revaxis®.

In some cases, your child may have already received some of the vaccines we deliver as part of the programme. For example, the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine can be given by a GP or in Accident and Emergency following an injury like an animal bite and the Meningitis vaccine may have been given as a travel vaccine.

Please check if your child has had these vaccines over the age of 10 years, and let us know if they have.

We only ask for this information if it is needed to ensure the correct intervals between vaccinations. Please note that we do not have access to your child’s GP records, so we may not be aware of their previous vaccination date unless you advise us.

The Meningitis ACWY vaccination helps to protect your child against four types of meningococcal bacteria (groups A, C, W and Y) that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These diseases are very serious and can kill, especially if not diagnosed early.

Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious. It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage and scars. It is caused by meningococcal bacteria which are divided into several groups, but the most common are A,C,W and Y. Young children and teenagers and young adults have the highest risk of meningococcal disease. The bacteria can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Both these diseases are very serious and can kill, especially if not diagnosed early. Both meningitis and septicaemia can trigger sepsis. Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening immune response to any infection and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

Like all vaccines, the Men ACWY vaccine can cause side effects, but they are generally mild and soon settle down.

The most common side effects seen in teenagers and young people are redness, hardening and itching at the injection site, fever, headache, nausea and fatigue. These symptoms should last no more than 24 hours. Sometimes, a small, painless lump develops, but this usually disappears in a few weeks.

We only ask for this information if it is needed to ensure the correct intervals between vaccinations. Please note that we do not have access to your child’s GP records, so we may not be aware of their previous vaccination date unless you advise us.