The vaccinations provide long lasting protection against a range of serious illnesses as part of the NHS’s routine immunisation schedule.
The first vaccine offered is the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) booster, also known as the 3 in 1 teenage booster. This final dose completes the 5 part course that begins in early childhood and helps protect young people well into adulthood.
Tetanus can cause severe muscle spasms and breathing difficulties, diphtheria can affect the throat, heart and nervous system, and polio can lead to lifelong paralysis. The Year 9 booster significantly strengthens immunity and helps maintain protection in later life.
Pupils are also being offered the Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine, which protects against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria. These infections can cause meningitis and septicaemia, which can progress rapidly and be life threatening. Although rare, meningococcal disease can lead to permanent complications such as hearing loss, brain injury or limb loss, making vaccination a vital preventative measure.
Parents and carers can provide consent online via Vaccination UK. Consent can also be given verbally, and parents can contact Vaccination UK with any questions on 01902 200077 or by emailing wolverhampton@v-uk.co.uk.
Parents and carers of home educated children should contact Vaccination UK directly to arrange an appointment.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These vaccinations are a simple but extremely effective way to protect our young people from serious, potentially life changing illnesses.
“Offering them in school makes it as easy and accessible as possible for families to ensure their children are protected, and I strongly encourage all parents and carers to provide consent and take up this important opportunity.”
Fiona Welfair, Associate Head of School at Heath Park School, where vaccinations were underway yesterday (Tuesday), said: “We are really pleased to be able to work with Vaccination UK and we know vaccinations are a key part of healthy living.
“Our young people have lots of questions about vaccines; they see a lot of information and, sometimes sadly, misinformation about them online, so it was great that Vaccination UK were able to come in before today’s session, to provide information and answer questions. We’ve had an excellent response from parents and young people and an excellent turnout.”
For more details, please visit Vaccinations.
