Immunisations for teens

Vaccinations in school

If you have been invited to submit a consent form for your child’s upcoming vaccination session in school, please click the child consent form button below. You will need the unique school code on the parent invite letter provided by your child’s school.

It is important you let us know whether you do or do not want your child to have a vaccination by the consent deadline. It will take less than five minutes to respond.

Child vaccination form

Vaccinations for your teen

Help protect your teen with essential vaccinations. Visit HealthforTeens together to explore everything they need to know about staying safe and healthy.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine is given in one dose to all children in year eight. Although most HPV infections go away on their own, some types of HPV may cause infections that increase the risk of certain cancers and pre-cancerous cell changes. This vaccine protects against types of HPV cancers, like anal cancer and cervical cancer. Watch the video below to find out more about preventing HPV cancers with the vaccine. You can find more information in the HPV vaccine leaflet. The Electronic Medicines Compendium website has a copy of the patient information leaflet on the HPV vaccination we use.

Girls are eligible for the HPV vaccine up to their 25th birthday, and boys in the eligible cohort (born on/after 1 September 2006) remain eligible to receive the vaccine until their 25th birthday. Boys born before 1 September 2006 haven't been offered the vaccine as they are already benefitting from the indirect protection provided by the HPV vaccination programme to date.

Meningitis

This vaccine is given in year nine.

Meningitis and septicaemia can lead to life-changing disabilities, such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage. Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because they’re mixing with lots of new people, some of whom may have the meningitis bacteria at the back of their nose and throat without realising it.

The meningitis vaccine gives some protection against meningitis A, B, C, W and Y.

Young people can book into one of our clinics up until the age of 20 or ask a GP for this vaccine until the turn 25, if this was missed at school or before coming to the UK to study.

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (TD/IPV)

This is given in year nine at the same time as the meningitis vaccine.

The Td/IPV vaccine, sometimes known as the teenage booster or three-in-one protects against three separate diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

In total, you need five doses of the tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines throughout childhood to build up and maintain the body's own immunity against these infections.

MMR

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine offered to four to 19 year-olds as part of a catch-up campaign in our community clinics. Year eight and 11 pupils will be offered the vaccination at school if they haven't had this before. This vaccine is given as an injection in the arm.

It protects against three serious illnesses:

These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people. Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Flu

The nasal spray flu vaccine is offered every year to young people aged 11 to 16 years old during the winter months to help protect them against flu. The vaccine is given as a spray squirted up each nostril. It's quick, painless, safe and effective.

Young people can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people and can help your teen avoid a nasty spell of illness that can lead to other problems including bronchitis.

Nasal Flu Vaccination from ChatHealth on Vimeo.

What to expect on the day

Privacy in schools is often limited so young people should wear a vest or t-shirt under their school shirt so they can take off their school shirt, or a short sleeve shirt so they can expose their arm for the injection. They should have breakfast and a drink before their vaccination.

If your child has missed any vaccinations

Your child will be offered a range of vaccinations throughout their lives. Visit NHS.uk for a checklist of the vaccines and the ages at which they should be given.

You can ring your GP if you are unsure if your child has missed any vaccinations.

You can book an appointment at one of our community immunisation clinics if your child has missed any of the immunisations listed above.

Families who might need further support

We understand children with special educational needs, a disability or those who have a needle phobia may find vaccination sessions stressful. We offer all children the opportunity to receive their vaccinations in an appropriate and comfortable environment.

We can go to your child’s school and vaccinate – you may wish to be with them, but this is not a requirement.
We have regular community clinics across Kent and Medway that vary from children’s centres to hospitals. You can book at a location and time of your choice and come along with your child.
In exceptional circumstances, we may offer home visits.

Immunisation Service

If you have any queries on a vaccination or need extra support for a child with a health condition, disability or additional need.

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