Year 9 Meningococcal ACWY and Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (Td/IPV) Vaccination 2023/24

All Year 9 students are now due their Meningococcal ACWY and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (Td/IPV) vaccinations. Please read the important information below.

All children need five doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccines to build up and maintain immunity. The fifth dose is due now on the UK Routine Immunisation Schedule.

Read more about the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine, this is also known as the 3-in-1 booster vaccine.

Meningococcal ACWY 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).

Read more about the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

If you have any questions read our FAQs below.

Please complete the form even if you do not wish your child to receive the vaccination or if they have received it elsewhere.


Start here

Who we are

The Sirona care & health aim is to be there when you or your family or carer need us most and help you stay as independent as possible.

We look after adults and children at home and at school. Our thousands of staff work across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

We are very proud that our most recent Care Quality Commission rating for the care our staff provide is Outstanding.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, we are funded by the NHS and local authorities. NHS care is free at the point of delivery. We are committed to serving our communities as a Community Interest Company, our activities provide benefit to all members of the population of the areas we cover. For further information please visit Sirona care & health

Paperless for the planet

We believe in protecting the environment and this a clear way to reduce the use of paper.

Handling less paper will also reduce risk of infection and makes the process of consent easier for you, your child, schools and our team.

Consent made simple

You will receive a confirmation email when you complete your consent and you will also get a notification of your child’s vaccination status once they have been vaccinated by our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Select question category:
  • Can I take my child to the GP for their vaccination?

    All school-aged vaccines are carried out by the Immunisation team. GPs may vaccinate in certain circumstances please contact the Immunisation Team to discuss your options. The Immunisation Team do offer community catch-up clinic sessions.

  • 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 if the vaccination session is planned within the next 72 hours.

  • 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.

  • 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, it is possible that we will ask you or your child’s GP or consultant for further information to ensure it is safe for them to receive the vaccination at the current time.

  • What if my child is unwell following their vaccination?

    All vaccines can cause side effects but studies suggest they are generally mild and soon settle. Some people may experience:

    • 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.

    Call 111 for non-urgent medical advice and 999 in an emergency.

    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.

  • What if my child is unwell on the day of the vaccination?

    Vaccinations can safely be given as long as the child does not have an acute febrile illness. If your child is not in school then you will receive information to book a community catch-up clinic appointment.

    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.

  • Where can I find out more information about vaccinations?

    You can find further information on the NHS choices website.

    Alternatively, you can speak to your GP, practice nurse or a member of the immunisation team.

  • How do we use your information?

    Please see the link below regarding Sirona care & health’s Privacy Policy

    Policies - Sirona care & health (sirona-cic.org.uk).

    Sirona care & health and RIVIAM will use the information given for School Aged Immunisations to check your child’s identity against their central NHS record. Sirona care & health use the information provided on the consent form to ensure that consent for immunisation is given.

    Vaccination outcomes are shared with NHS National Immunisation and Vaccination System (NIVS), this information is then shared with Child Health Information Systems and your child’s GP. Anonymised ethnicity and gender information will be shared with NHS England for equality monitoring purposes. Consent for vaccination can be withdrawn at any time by contacting the team.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Why is my child being offered the DTP 3 in 1 booster?

    The 3-in-1 teenage booster 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 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.

  • How safe is the 3-in-1 booster vaccine?

    The 3-in-1 teenage booster 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®.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What is Meningitis?

    The Meningitis ACWY 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.

  • 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 Men ACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the four meningococcal strains, including the highly virulent Men W strain.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Do I get a copy of my consent form?

    Once you have submitted the consent you will receive an email to let you know we have received it. Please check your spam/junk folder if you don't receive it.

  • 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.

  • What if I require the information in a different format?

    Please contact the immunisation team who will be able to assist.

Get in touch for more answers

If you still have questions about our service or immunisations, please get in touch with us using the information below.

Email us using sirona.sch-imms@nhs.net or call us on 0300 124 5515

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