DTP Teenage Booster
Children receive protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio during early childhood.
The teenage booster helps maintain protection into adulthood by strengthening immunity against these diseases.
Meningitis ACWY Vaccine
Teenagers and young adults are more likely to carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throat without knowing it.
Vaccination helps protect young people from serious illness and reduces the spread of meningococcal disease to others.
Part of the NHS School Aged Immunisation Service
The DTP booster and Meningitis ACWY vaccine are usually offered to young people in Year 9 (aged 13–14 years).
These vaccines provide important protection during adolescence when immunity from earlier childhood vaccinations may begin to reduce.
If a young person misses their vaccination at school, catch-up opportunities may be available.
The DTP (Td/IPV) vaccine is a booster that protects against:
A serious bacterial infection that affects the throat and airways. It can cause breathing difficulties, heart complications and damage to the nervous system.
A potentially life-threatening infection caused by bacteria found in soil and the environment. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds and can cause painful muscle spasms and breathing difficulties.
A viral infection that can affect the nervous system and may cause permanent paralysis. Although polio is now rare in many countries, vaccination remains essential to prevent its return.
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against four strains of meningococcal bacteria:
These bacteria can cause:
Both conditions can develop quickly and require urgent medical treatment.
Both vaccines are given as injections into the upper arm.
Many young people receive both vaccinations during the same school session.
The vaccination process is quick and our trained immunisation teams are experienced in supporting young people who may feel nervous.
Yes. Both vaccines have been used safely for many years as part of the UK immunisation programme.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived and may include:
Serious side effects are very rare.
If your child is absent from school on the day of vaccination, they may be offered another opportunity through a school revisit or a community catch-up clinic.
Details of available catch-up clinics can be found on our website or by contacting your local Vaccination UK team.
Yes. The DTP booster and MenACWY vaccine are routinely given together during the same appointment.
The DTP vaccine is the final routine booster offered as part of the childhood immunisation programme. The MenACWY vaccine provides important protection during adolescence and young adulthood.
Our immunisation teams support thousands of young people every year and are experienced in helping children who feel nervous. Parents should let the team know about any concerns when completing the consent form.
Yes. Catch-up clinics may be available if a child misses their school vaccination session.
My child had these vaccinations when they were younger, so they don’t need them again
The DTP vaccine offered in secondary school is a booster vaccine. It helps top up protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio as immunity can reduce over time. The MenACWY vaccine also provides protection against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y, helping protect teenagers when they are at increased risk of carrying and spreading the bacteria.
Meningitis is very rare, so the MenACWY vaccine isn’t necessary
While meningitis is less common than many childhood illnesses, it can develop very quickly and become life-threatening within hours. The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against four strains of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), reducing the risk of serious illness.
Receiving the DTP and MenACWY vaccines together will overload my child’s immune system
Children’s immune systems encounter thousands of germs every day. The DTP and MenACWY vaccines have been safely given together to millions of young people and are routinely offered during the same appointment. Receiving both vaccines at the same time is safe, effective and provides protection against multiple serious diseases.
We are passionate about protecting children’s health and supporting schools to create safer, healthier learning environments.
By working proactively with schools and families, we help ensure:
Useful Links:
Find NHS information on the Meningitis ACWY vaccine: here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/
Find information from UK charity Meningitis Now here:
https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-is-meningitis/types-and-causes/meningococcal-disease/faqs-meningococcal-acwy-vaccine/
Find information on teenage immunisations for ages 14 to 18 (English and translations):
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