Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (Td/IPV vaccine)
3 in 1 booster for teenagers in year 9
The DTP vaccine protects against three serious diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. These infections can cause severe illness and long-term health problems, but vaccination provides safe and effective protection.
School vaccination programmes offer children an important booster dose to help keep their protection strong as they grow older.
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Part of the NHS School Aged Immunisation Service
Why is DTP vaccination important?
What are Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio?
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a highly infectious disease affecting the throat and upper airways, caused by the diphtheria bacterium. The disease is found worldwide and high vaccination uptake is required to keep the rates of infection low. It is still prevalent in many countries due to low immunisation levels, especially the Indian Subcontinent, Central and South East Asia, Africa and South America.
Transmission
Infection is spread person to person through coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms
Diphtheria is an extremely serious illness and treatment is required as soon as the disease is suspected to prevent fatality. The incubation period is 2-5 days and symptoms include fever, sore throat, enlarged glands in the neck. If not treated early, the infection can cause obstruction of the airway and is fatal in 5-10% of cases. Fatality rates are higher in young children and older adults. Damage to the heart muscle and nervous system can also occur with the illness.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a life threatening infection caused by a bacteria that is found in the environment worldwide. The infection affects the nervous system and can cause painful muscle stiffness and breathing problems.
Transmission
The bacteria enters the body through skin wounds or cuts, especially soil contaminated wounds.
Symptoms
The incubation period is 4-21 days. Symptoms are due to muscles spasms and rigidity and include lock jaw and paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Death rates vary from 10% (if good intensive medical care is available) to 90%. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable.
Polio
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children. Since the launch of the Global Eradication Programme led by WHO, the incidence of Polio has fell by 99% since 1988. The disease is now endemic in 2 countries-Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, sporadic outbreaks still occur due to imported disease or as result of the oral polio vaccine virus reverting to infectious type.
Transmission
The virus is transmitted through the personal contact and contaminated food and water.
Symptoms
The virus spreads from the gut to the nervous system causing paralysis. Irreversible paralysis occurs in 1 in 200 cases of polio and the death rate is 5-10% due to respiratory failure.
Why is my child offered the DTP vaccine at school?
Children receive several vaccinations in early childhood. The school-age DTP booster helps strengthen protection that may reduce over time.
In the UK, this booster is usually offered to pupils in secondary school (around Year 9) as part of the routine school immunisation programme.
Only one booster dose is needed at this stage. This booster helps strengthen the protection built up from earlier childhood vaccinations against DTP.
How is the DTP vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as a quick injection into the upper arm by trained healthcare professionals.
The vaccination process is quick and safe, and most children can return to normal activities straight away.
Is the DTP vaccine safe for children?
Yes. The DTP vaccine has been used safely for many years as part of national immunisation programmes. Vaccines used in schools are carefully tested and monitored to ensure they meet strict safety standards.
Millions of doses have been given worldwide, helping to protect children and reduce the spread of these serious diseases.
Possible side effects
The DTP vaccine is very safe. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as:
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A sore or slightly swollen arm
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Mild fever
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Headache or tiredness
These symptoms usually pass within a day or two. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
What if my child misses the school vaccination?
If your child misses the vaccination session at school, they can still receive the vaccine through their GP practice or a local catch-up clinic.
If you have any questions about the vaccine, please speak with your school vaccination team or healthcare provider.
Myths and facts about the DTP vaccine
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:
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High vaccination uptake
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Minimal disruption to learning
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Confidence and reassurance for parents
Useful Links:
Visit our YouTube page for a DTP FAQs and myth busting webinar:
Find NHS information on the DTP vaccine here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/3-in-1-booster-questions-answers/
Teenage immunisations for ages 14 to 18 (English and translations):
Our commitment to children, schools and families
Vaccine Information
For information about the vaccines we provide, click on a link below:
DTP & Meningitis ACWY
Infant BCG
HPV
Nasal Flu
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio teenage booster vaccine
Protection (up to 80%) against severe forms of childhood TB, such as TB meningitis
The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccination protects against cervical cancer
The nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects