Year 9 MenACWY and Td/IPV vaccinations
Dear Parent/Guardian
All Year 9 children are being offered Meningococcal ACWY vaccination and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccination in school.
Please complete the consent form HERE
It is important that you complete the consent form even if you do not want your child to receive the vaccinations; you are able to consent for none, either or both vaccinations.
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). These diseases are very serious and can kill, especially if not diagnosed early. Cases of meningococcal W disease (‘MenW’) in England have increased significantly in recent years particularly in teenagers and young adults and it is in response to this rise in cases that this vaccine is being given to this age group.
If your child has received the Men ACWY vaccine as a travel vaccine since the age of 10 they do not need an additional booster at this time. Please indicate whether they have received MenACWY as a travel vaccine on the consent form and contact your GP surgery who will be able to confirm the date it was given.
We are also offering the diphtheria/tetanus/polio vaccination (Td/IPV) at the same time as the Men ACWY. The National Childhood Immunisation Programme has meant that dangerous diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and polio have practically disappeared in this country. It is important that everyone keeps up their vaccinations so that these diseases do not return. All children need 5 doses of the tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccination to build up and maintain immunity. The first three doses should have been given as a baby and the fourth at around four years old. The fifth dose is due now.
For further information please see www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations or Immunisations for young people – your questions answered (publishing.service.gov.uk). You can also talk to the school nurse, your GP or practice nurse.
- For these vaccinations to take place we need to make sure we have your consent. To do this please complete the consent form at the link above.
- If you and your son/daughter decide not to accept one or both of these vaccinations, we still need you to complete the form telling us about your decision.
It is important for you to discuss and complete the consent form with your child. Please be aware that if we do not receive the completed consent form, each young person may be assessed on an individual basis and invited to self consent for the vaccination providing they can demonstrate an understanding of the vaccination due. This is in line with the Gillick Competency Framework.
NHS England strongly supports this important vaccination programme to protect against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and the meningococcal ACWY bacteria and recommend them to your child.
Information about the vaccinations will be put on your child’s health records. If you have any questions, please contact the Immunisation Team at [email protected] or 0300 1245515.
Yours Sincerely
Karen Evans | Head of Specialist Services for Children and Sirona Integrated Immunisation Services
QR code link to consent form:
MMR vaccination reminder: if your child has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine, please contact your GP or School Immunisation Team to make an appointment to receive these.
