Hertfordshire Community Immunisation

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio (DTP) and Meningitis ACWY Vaccination 2024/25

You have been sent to this consent website as your child is now due their booster 3-in-1 Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) vaccination and their Meningitis ACWY vaccination. Please read the important information below.

All children need five doses of diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines to build up and maintain immunity. The fifth dose is due now.

Read more about the DTP vaccine.

Meningitis ACWY is not routinely given until Year 9 in school. Most children will have received an earlier dose of Meningitis C (not ACWY). This vaccination provides additional protection against the strains A, W & Y that are most commonly seen in this age group.

Read more about the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.

In some cases, your child may have received the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine by a GP or in Accident and Emergency following an injury like an animal bite.

The Meningitis ACWY vaccination in some cases may have already been given as a travel vaccine by the GP or travel clinic.

Please therefore check if your child has had either of these vaccines over the age of 10 years, and let us know if they have. We may not be able to vaccinate without this information.

If you have any questions read our FAQs below.

Please complete the form even if you do not wish your child to receive the vaccination or if they have received it elsewhere.


Start here

The Hertfordshire and East Anglia Community and School Age Immunisation Service provides vaccinations to school-age children in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. If you have questions or need help to complete this eConsent form, please get in touch with us on 0300 555 5055.

Paperless for the planet

We believe in protecting the environment and this a clear way to reduce the use of paper.

Handling less paper will also reduce risk of infection and makes the process of consent easier for you, your child, schools and our team.

Consent made simple

You will receive a confirmation email when you complete your consent and you will also get a notification of your child’s vaccination status once they have been vaccinated by our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Select question category:
  • Can I take my child to the GP for their vaccinations?

    Generally all school aged vaccinations are provided by the school immunisation team. The GPs can vaccinate in certain circumstances, but usually only if the child has missed their vaccinations after the school year it was due.
    Occasionally, the team may request that vaccinations are given by the GP if it is thought to be more suitable.

  • What happens if I have missed the 'consent cut off date' but still want my child to be vaccinated?

    Whenever possible the team will provide a second vaccination opportunity, either in school or a community clinic. Please contact the team directly for further information 0300 555 5055.

  • What if I change my mind about my child having their vaccination after I have submitted consent?

    It is important that you contact the Immunisation Team (0300 555 5055) immediately and speak to a member of staff. We also advise that you contact the school if the vaccination session is planned within the next 72 hours.

  • What if my child does not attend school?

    The team will be happy to see your child in one of our community clinics. Please contact the team to discuss your requirements 0300 555 5055.

  • What if my child has a medical condition?

    There are very few children that cannot receive their vaccinations.

    However, if your child has a medical condition, it is possible that we will ask you or your child’s GP or consultant for further information to ensure it is safe for them to receive the vaccination at the current time.

  • What if my child is unwell following their vaccination?

    All vaccines can cause side effects but studies suggest they are generally mild and soon settle. Some people may experience:

    • Swelling
    • Redness
    • Tenderness
    • Development of a small lump at the injection site
    • Feeling or being sick
    • Headaches
    • Tiredness.

    If you are worried about your child you can telephone 111 for non-urgent medical advice or contact your GP practice. In an emergency please telephone 999. Further advice can be found at: www.nhs.uk.

  • What if my child is unwell on the day of the vaccination?

    If your child is not in school, then our team will see them next time we visit. Generally if they are well enough to be in school, they are usually well enough to be vaccinated.

  • Where can I find out more information about vaccinations?

    Please contact the Community and School Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS) 0300 555 5055.

  • Why do you need previous vaccination dates?

    We only ask for this information if it is needed to ensure the correct intervals between vaccinations.

  • What is Tetanus?

    Tetanus is a painful disease affecting the nervous system which can lead to muscle spasms, cause breathing problems and can kill. It is caused when germs found in the soil and manure get into the body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus cannot be passed from person to person.

  • What is Diphtheria?

    Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems. It can damage the heart and nervous system, and in severe cases, it can kill.

  • What is Polio?

    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.

  • Why is my child being offered the DTP 3 in 1 booster?

    The 3-in-1 teenage booster is offered to all young people at approximately 14 years old, as part of the national immunisation programme.

    It's routinely given at secondary school (in school year 9) at the same time as the Meningitis ACWY vaccine. Children will usually have received 3 doses as a baby, a further 4th dose before starting school and this fifth dose to complete the course. The fifth dose boosts immunity into adulthood.

  • What if my child has already received this vaccination elsewhere?

    In some cases, your child may have already received some of the vaccines we deliver as part of the programme. For example, the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine can be given by a GP or in Accident and Emergency following an injury like an animal bite and the Meningitis vaccine may have been given as a travel vaccine.

    Please check if your child has had these vaccines over the age of 10 years, and let us know if they have.

  • What is Meningitis?

    The Meningitis ACWY 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.

  • Why should teenagers have the Men ACWY vaccination?

    Cases of meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia) caused by a highly virulent strain of Men W bacteria have been rising since 2009.

    Older teenagers are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats. Anyone who is eligible for the Men ACWY vaccine should have it, even if they've previously had the Men C vaccine.

    The Men ACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the four meningococcal strains, including the highly virulent Men W strain.

  • Does Men ACWY vaccine have any side-effects?

    Like all vaccines, the Men ACWY vaccine can cause side effects, but they are generally mild and soon settle down.

    The most common side effects seen in teenagers and young people are redness, hardening and itching at the injection site, fever, headache, nausea and fatigue. These symptoms should last no more than 24 hours. Sometimes, a small, painless lump develops, but this usually disappears in a few weeks.

  • Do I get a copy of my consent form?

    Once you have submitted the consent, you will receive an email to let you know we have received it. A copy of your completed consent form is attached to this email. Please check your spam/junk folder if you don't receive it. For further information, please get in touch with the Community and School Aged Immunisation Service on 0300 555 5055 or by emailing the team dedicated to your area:

    Hertfordshire: Admin.imms@nhs.net

    Cambridge & Peterborough: hct.csaiscambspb@nhs.net

    Norfolk: hct.csaisnorfolk@nhs.net

    Suffolk: hct.csaissuffolk@nhs.net

  • How do I raise a technical support request?

    Please email us on support@riviam.zendesk.com. Please don't put any personal details in as this email is not for clinical issues.

  • What if I require the information in a different format?

    Please contact the Immunisation team who will be able to assist (0300 555 5055).

Get in touch for more answers

If you still have questions or need help to complete this eConsent form, please get in touch with us on 0300 555 5055 or via email:

Email us using Hct.csaissuffolk@nhs.net

Hertfordshire Community Immunisation

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Hertfordshire Community Immunisation