Diphtheria Tetanus and Polio and Meningitis ACWY Vaccinations

January 2016

What are Diphtheria Tetanus Polio and Meningitis?

These are 4 separate diseases:

• 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.

• 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.

• Polio (poliomyelitis) is a virus which attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill.

What are Diphtheria Tetanus Polio and Meningitis?

• Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain, and can be a result of infection with a virus, bacteria, or other disease-causing organism, or as a result of injury. There are 5 main groups of meningicoccal bacteria that cause meningitis – A, B, C, W and Y.

Why is Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Meningitis ACWY vaccinations needed

You need these 2 boosters to complete your routine immunisations and give longer term protection

Before you started primary school you should have received 4 doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine and 3 doses of Meningitis C

For protection against four groups (A, C, W and Y) of meningococcal infection, it is important to have one dose of Men ACWY before you reach 19 years of age

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 which room to attend and what time to attend.

Information about the injection`s • These injections are given by a qualified nurse experienced at giving

injections to young people.

• The nurses will look after you and talk to you before you have the injections to make sure you are okay

• Each one will only take a few seconds to give

• The injection`s are given in the muscle at the top of your arm. Ecah

injection is given in a different arm.

• The needle is very small – same size as when you were a baby having injections)

• It is important to sit still while the injection is being given. IF YOU ARE FEELING NERVOUS – TELL THE NURSE

• This shows what to expect when you come to see us.

• You will sit down with your own nurse to look after you

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

• 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.)

Where can I get more information?

• Name:

• Title:

• When:

• Where:

Further Information

• This presentation can be viewed at http://www.bridgewater.nhs.uk/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