Meningococcal ACWY and diphtheria, tetanus and polio

The Meningococcal ACWY and diphtheria, tetanus and polio immunisations are routinely given in year 9 as part of the national NHS school-age immunisations programme.

Meningitis ACWY

This is given as a single injection in the upper arm and protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria A, C, W and Y, which cause meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio

This is given as a single injection in the upper arm at the same time at the meningitis immunisation. This will build up and maintain your own body’s immunity against these infections and protect you against the disease.

In total you need to have 5 doses of Diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccination throughout your childhood. The first 3 doses are given as a baby, the 4^th doses pre-school and this is the final booster which will strengthen the doses already given/