Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and
Meningitis C Booster
January 2014
What are Diphtheria, Tetanus,
Polio, and Meningitis C
These are 4 separate diseases:
• Diphtheria is a bacterial infection which effects the chest and throat
and occasionally the skin.
• Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can attack the muscles and the
nervous system.
• Polio (poliomyelitis) is a virus which attacks the nervous system
and can sometimes cause paralysis of the arms or legs.
• Meningitis is an infection that causes the lining of the brain to
become inflamed.
The Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio
and Meningitis C boosters
•Both of these boosters are now routinely offered to young people of
your age
•In total 5 doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine and 3 doses
of Meningitis vaccine are required to give life long immunity
•This Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio booster and Meningitis booster are
your final doses providing you have had all previous doses as a baby
and young child.
Where will the vaccination session
take place?
• The School Nursing service offer the injections in school, during
lesson times. You will be given information by school staff about
what room to attend and what time to attend.
The injections.
• These injections are given by qualified nurses experienced at giving
injections to young people
• They will only take a few seconds each to give
• The injections are given in the muscle at the top of each arm
• It is important to sit still while the injections are being given
• Injections may be given at the same time or they may be given
separately
What happens now?
 You will be given a consent form with a letter and information leaflet
to take home to give to your parent or legal guardian
 Consent forms MUST be completed, signed and returned to school
by the date stated on the letter. Forms returned on the day of
injection may result in your injection being delayed or postponed
 Please return your consent form to
school as soon as possible even if your
parent or legal guardian has said no
What do you need to do on the day?
It is important to look after yourself on the day of your injection:• Make sure you eat your breakfast
• Wear a short sleeved shirt/blouse or a T shirt under your shirt/blouse
• Try to stay as calm as possible
• Listen to the information you are given by the nurse
• Ask the nurse if you have any questions
• Tell a member of staff if you feel unwell after the injection
After the booster injections
• You will be given an ‘after care’ information sheet to take home for
you and your parents / legal guardian to read.
• It is important you return to class when asked to do so
• Some young people may experience side effects e.g. sore arm, high
temperature
• If you have any comments about the vaccination session then
please tell us when you complete the ‘Talk to Us` form.
Frequently asked questions
• What if I lose my form?
If you lose your form you can obtain a new one by
contacting your school nurse
• Will the injections hurt?
You are likely to feel a small scratch on your arms. You will feel more
comfortable by sitting/standing still and relaxing your muscles as
much as possible. Try and think of something you enjoy
• Can I do sport after the injections?
Yes you can. It is important that you do what you would normally do.
Move your arms as normal (but try not to knock your arms as they
may feel sore for awhile.)
Further Information
• This presentation can be viewed at
http://www.bridgewater.nhs.uk/haltonsthelens/schoolnursing/
More information about everything covered in this
presentation can be found at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations
• Please read the leaflet we send home with your consent form
• Please talk to your parent/ legal guardian
• If you have any questions please speak to your school nurse