Diphtheria tetanus, and polio vaccine

What is the DTP vaccine?

The teenage booster, also known as the 3-in-1 vaccine, is given to boost protection against 3 separate diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Why should I have this vaccine?

Throughout your childhood you will be offered 5 doses of the tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines. This will build up and maintain your body’s own immunity against these infections and protect you against the diseases.

Who is the vaccine for?

The 3-in-1 teenage booster is free on the NHS for all young people aged 14 as part of the national immunisation programme.

This completes the 5th and final dose of the vaccine.

When would I have it?

It will be given in secondary school (school year 9) and usually, at the same time as the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.

It’s a single injection given into the muscle of the upper arm.

Will I have any side effects?

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.