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A child’s upper arm with a decorative adhesive bandage covering an injection site. A child’s upper arm with a decorative adhesive bandage covering an injection site.

Immunisations at Secondary School

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Immunisations at secondary school can feel worrying for both young people and parents. You might have questions about safety, side effects, or what to expect, and that’s completely normal. You are not alone, and there is clear, trusted information to help you feel more confident about your child’s vaccinations.

More about immunisations at secondary school

Immunisations offered in secondary school are routine vaccines designed to protect young people from serious diseases later in life. These vaccines are typically administered during the school day. In Year 8, students are offered the HPV vaccine. In Year 9, students are offered the Meningitis ACWY vaccine alongside the DTP booster (diphtheria, tetanus and polio), often referred to as the final school booster.

You will receive information about these vaccinations via email from your child’s school. We understand that some young people may feel nervous about having an injection or about being vaccinated in a school setting with their peers.If this is the case, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details provided, and we can arrange an alternative clinic appointment.

If your child has missed any vaccinations, it is important to seek advice, as we can support with catch-up opportunities or If your child is home educated or missing education at this time please contact us and we will arrange a suitable clinic. For any concerns or questions, please contact us via email or telephone for professional advice from our specialist nursing team.

You should seek help if you feel unsure about your decision, or if your child is very anxious or upset about their immunisations. It is also important to get advice if your child has missed a vaccine or has had a reaction in the past. . Please do reach out via email or phone to gain professional advice from our nursing team.

Questions and answers

Is it normal to feel worried about school vaccinations?
It’s common for young people to feel nervous about needles. Talking about what will happen and offering reassurance can really help. The nursing team and school staff are very used to supporting children who feel anxious.
What vaccines will my child get at secondary school?
Your child will usually be offered the HPV vaccine in Year 8, followed by the MenACWY and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) vaccines in Year 9. These vaccines help protect against serious illnesses, including some cancers, infections, and diseases that can spread quickly. Annual flu vaccine is offered to school aged children from Reception to Year 11. If any MMR vaccine has been missed from pre-school we can also catch these up so please contact our team to organise.
Are there any side effects I should expect?
Most side effects are mild and do not last long. Your child might have a sore arm, feel tired, or have a slight temperature for a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare.
What if my child is scared of injections?
It’s common for young people to feel nervous about needles. Talking about what will happen and offering reassurance can really help. The nursing team and school staff are used to supporting children who feel anxious. We can offer a clinic appointment if the vaccine is unsuccessful in school setting and you will receive an email.
When should I seek medical advice after a vaccination?
You should get advice if your child feels very unwell, has a high fever that doesn’t go down, or shows unusual symptoms. If you are worried at any point, it’s always okay to ask for help. Trust your instincts as a parent.
What if my child misses their school vaccination?
If your child misses a vaccination, please don’t worry, this can be rearranged at a later date. It’s important that they still receive their vaccinations to stay protected. Please contact us by phone or email, and we will be happy to arrange an appointment at a local community clinic.

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