Dear Parent/Carer,
Protecting Your Children Against Meningitis and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio
Your child is being offered two vaccines in Year 9. These are the MenACWY vaccine which helps to protect against Meningitis and Septicaemia, and the DTP booster which helps to protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio.
How do I give my consent?
- Go to www.hdft.nhs.uk/electronic-consent
- Enter the School Code 136683 and click “Find School”.
- Complete the form with your child’s information and parent/guardian contact information*.
- Click the green “Submit” button.
- If you do not have internet access or you are struggling to complete form please call us on 03000 032554
*Once submitted, if you provide a valid email address, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. We will also email you to let you know that your child has been vaccinated in school. If your child has specific medical requirements, one of our nurses may need to get in touch before we are due to visit school. Routinely we share your child’s vaccination information with your registered GP surgery.
The deadline for online consents is 3rd January 2020
Why is the Meningitis vaccine being offered?
The MenACWY vaccination helps to protect your child against four types of meningococcal bacteria (groups A, C, W and Y) that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These diseases are very serious and can kill, especially if not diagnosed early. Cases of meningococcal W disease (“MenW”) in England have increased significantly in recent years, and it is in response to this rise in cases that this vaccine was introduced. Last year in North Yorkshire most children in school year 9 had the vaccine.
Why is the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine being offered?
The 3-in-1 DTP booster vaccine helps protect your child against three severe diseases; diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
Diphtheria is a serious disease that 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, breathing problems and can kill.
Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system which can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill. Last year in North Yorkshire most children had this vaccine in school.
Where can I find out more?
We hope that the information provided addresses any concerns you or your child might have about these vaccinations. By having these vaccines your child will be protecting themselves and others from very serious diseases. It is important that this letter is shared with your child.
For more information regarding the MenACWY vaccination please visit this website:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine
For more information regarding the DTP booster vaccination please visit this website:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/3-in-1-teenage-booster
If you have any questions regarding this programme, or you believe your child’s vaccination status is not up to date please contact the Childhood Immunisation Team by calling us on: 03000 032554
Yours sincerely,
Karen Guest-Humphries
Clinical Lead
Childhood Immunisation Team for Durham, Darlington and Teesside