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Which children should have the 3-in-1 teenage booster?

The 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine is offered to all youngsters aged 14 (school year 9). It's a routine immunisation offered as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule.

The 3-in-1 teenage booster is given as a single injection into the muscle of the upper arm to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. It tops up the effect of the earlier baby and pre-school vaccinations against these diseases. 

Who should not have the 3-in-1 booster?

There are very few teenagers who aren't able to have this vaccine, but it should be avoided by anyone who has had an anaphylactic reaction (a serious allergic reaction) to a previous dose of the vaccine, or a reaction to any part of the vaccine that may be present in tiny amounts, such as neomycin, streptomycin or polymixin B. 

It's safe for teenagers with a minor illness, such as a cough or cold, to have the vaccination. However, anyone with a fever should delay their vaccination until they have recovered. This is to avoid wrongly associating any progression of the illness with the effects of the vaccine.

Combining the 3-in-1 teenage booster with other vaccines

The 3-in-1 teenage booster is usually given at school along with the Men ACWY vaccine. It can also be given at the same time as other vaccines such as MMR, the flu vaccine or BCG providing the vaccines are injected into different parts of the body.

Read answers to common questions about the 3-in-1 teenage booster jab.

Article provided by NHS Choices

See original on NHS Choices

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