Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) Vaccination 2023/24
All children in school year 9 (aged 13/14 years) are routinely offered their Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV) and MenACWY vaccinations in line with the national vaccination schedule.
As your child is now in the eligible age group, please read the information below and complete your consent response.
These two injections are routinely given at the same time, and you can consent for both using this form.
DTP (Td/IPV):
In some cases, your child may have received the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV) vaccine at their GP practice or in Accident and Emergency following an injury like an animal bite.
Read more about the DTP (Td/IPV) vaccine.
MenACWY:
MenACWY is not routinely given until Year 9 in school. Most children will have received an earlier dose of Meningitis C (not ACWY). This vaccination provides additional protection against the strains A, W & Y that are most commonly seen in this age group.
Read more about the MenACWY vaccine.
The MenACWY vaccination in some cases may have already been given as a travel vaccine by the GP or at a travel clinic.
Please therefore check if your child has had either of these vaccines over the age of 10 years and let us know if they have. We may not be able to vaccinate without this information.
If you have any questions read our FAQs below.
Who we are and why we’ve asked you to visit us
We are a team a specially trained nurses and support staff who have vast experience in delivering immunisations to School aged children within school and community settings.
Our nurses are used to working in busy environments and using many different methods to ensure that children and young people have the most positive experience possible when receiving their vaccination.
We strongly advocate that this should be a positive experience, ensuring that the children and young people understand fully the benefits of vaccinations and feel part of the process themselves to support them in making healthy choices about their futures.
We work in small local teams to build strong relationships with 'our schools and communities' whilst also working within a wider team to ensure that expertise and learning is shared and we are able to support each other to ensure that we are always striving to deliver the safest and best service for our children, young people and the community.
Saving time, saving paper and helping to save the planet
We believe in protecting the environment and this is a clear way to reduce the use of paper. With e-consent the information that is required is confidentially processed in a safe manner with no risk of lost forms, information being altered, they are quick to fill in and easy to process.
You will receive confirmation when the form is completed and further confirmation when your child has been vaccinated, again avoiding any confusion as to whether they have received the vaccine or not.
If you do have any queries or difficulties accessing the form then please don't hesitate to contact the team.
Have any questions?
Here are some of our frequently asked questions.
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Can I take my child to the GP for their vaccination?
Generally, all adolescent school-aged vaccinations are provided by the school immunisation team. This includes Human Papilloma Virus in Year 8 and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio (DTP) and Meningits ACWY (MenACWY) in year 9. The GP can vaccinate in certain circumstances, but usually only if the child has missed their vaccinations in the school year it was due.
The annual flu vaccination is only given in school or community clinic unless your child is clinically vulnerable. In this case, you will receive an invitation from the GP to attend the surgery.
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What happens if I have missed the 'consent cut off date' but still want my child to be vaccinated?
You can provide consent for the vaccination up to the day of the session. Further opportunities will be provided in school, or you can take you child to a community clinic if you prefer. You will be provided with details of how to book an appointment if your child misses the session in school.
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What if my child is absent from school on the day of immunisation or declines to have it on the day?
Your child can still receive their immunisation when the team next attend their school, or you can book an appointment in a clinic venue. Please contact the team directly for further information.
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What if I change my mind about my child having their vaccination after I have submitted consent?
It is important that you contact the Immunisation Team immediately and speak to a member of staff. We also advise that you contact the school. Please ensure that your child is aware of your final decision and provide written confirmation of this for them to share with the team.
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What if my child does not attend school?
The team will be happy to see your child in one of our community clinics. Please contact the team to discuss your requirements.
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What if my child has a medical condition?
There are very few children that cannot receive their vaccinations.
However, if your child has a medical condition, please discuss it with your child’s GP or consultant to ensure it is safe for them to receive the vaccination at the current time and document this on their form.
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Are there any side effects following vaccination?
All vaccines can cause side effects, but studies suggest they are generally mild and soon settle.
Injected vaccines can cause:
- swelling at the injection site
- redness at/around the injection site
- tenderness at the injection site
- development of a small lump at the injection site
All vaccinations can cause:
- feeling or being sick
- headaches
- tiredness
If you are worried about your child, you can telephone 111 for non-urgent medical advice or contact your GP practice. In an emergency, please telephone 999. Further advice can be found at: www.nhs.uk.
Our team report any post vaccination side effects that we are aware of, so please contact the Immunisation Team if you feel that we need to report any reactions experienced by your child.
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What if my child is unwell on the day of the vaccination?
Vaccinations can safely be given as long as the child is not systemically unwell. This is when your child has an illness that affects the whole body and they would usually present with a high temperature.
If your child is not well enough to attend school, then our team will make arrangements to see them the next time they visit the school or provide details on how to access a community clinic. Generally, if they are well enough to be in school, they are usually well enough to be vaccinated.However, if your child is recovering from a chronic illness or recent infection, the nurse may decide to defer the vaccination until they are fully recovered. This is to ensure that any subsequent changes in their health are not wrongly attributed to the vaccination.
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Can my child take Ibuprofen or Paracetamol after or before the vaccine?
Yes, either Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be safely taken to reduce symptoms from the vaccine (please follow product dosage instructions). Likewise, if your child is taking Ibuprofen or Paracetamol prior to the vaccine for any reason, it is still ok to have the vaccine whilst using these two medications.
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Where can I find out more information about vaccinations?
You can find further information on the NHS choices website. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of the immunisation team.
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Why do you need previous vaccination dates?
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.
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What is Tetanus?
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.
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What is Diphtheria?
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.
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What is Polio?
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.
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Why is my child being offered Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV) 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 (MenACWY) 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.
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How safe is Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV)?
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP or Td/IPV) 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®.
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What if my child has already received this vaccination elsewhere?
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.
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Why do you need previous vaccination dates?
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.
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Where can I find further details about the vaccine used, including a full list of its content?
In depth details of the vaccine, including the content, and Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) can be found here.
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What is Meningitis?
The MenACWY 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.
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Why should teenagers have the Men ACWY vaccination?
Cases of Meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia) caused by a highly virulent strain of Men W bacteria have been rising since 2009.
Older teenagers are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats. Anyone who is eligible for the Men ACWY vaccine should have it, even if they've previously had the Men C vaccine.
The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the four meningococcal strains, including the highly virulent Men W strain.
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Does Men ACWY vaccine have any side-effects?
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.
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Why do you need previous vaccination dates?
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.
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Where can I find further details about the vaccine used, including a full list of contents?
In depth details of the vaccine, including the content, and Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) can be found here.
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Do I get a copy of my consent form?
Yes. Once you have submitted the consent you will receive an email to let you know we have received it and a PDF copy of the form that you have completed.
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How do I raise a technical support request?
Please email us on support@riviam.zendesk.com. Please don't put any personal details in as this email is not for clinical issues.
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What if I require the information in a different format?
Please contact the immunisation team who will be able to assist.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions about our service or immunisations, please get in touch with us using the information below.
or call us on 0300 247 00820300 247 0082.
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