DTP, Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio vaccine

In year 9 of school, children are eligible for the 3 in 1 teenage booster dose of the vaccine that prevents tetanus, diphtheria and polio. They should have had this vaccine four times as a baby/child. You can check your child's red book for this information. The DTP vaccine will boost your child's immunity to these infectious diseases which may have decreased as they have grown up.

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, and you cannot develop natural immunity to Tetanus.

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.

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.

Booster requirements of DTP

Everyone needs a total of 5 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines to build up and keep their immunity.

DTP schedule:

• the first 3 doses as a baby
• dose 4 between 3 and 5 years old, this is the pre-school booster (PSB)
• dose 5 is due in school year 9, at 13 or 14 years old

Future boosters

Once you have completed the course of 5 doses, you will probably not need further boosters. However, you may need an extra dose of DTP if you have a particularly 'dirty' injury.

How the DTP booster is given

The injection is given into the muscle in the upper arm. The immunisation nurses giving the vaccinations are very experienced at looking after students who feel nervous or have 'needle phobia', but please inform the team when you complete the online consent form if this is an issue for your child.

Side effects

It is common to get some swelling or tenderness where the injection is given. Other less common side effects can include fever, headache, dizziness or feeling faint, feeling sick and swollen glands.

If your child feels unwell after the immunisation, you can give them over the counter pain relief. 

If you are worried about any unusual side effects, speak to your local immunisation team, GP or call the free NHS helpline 111.