Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Booster Vaccinations

We are approaching that time of year again when we are offering Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio booster vaccinations to all year 3 pupils. I cannot stress more highly the importance to all pupils of having this injection. All these diseases are dangerous and life threatening, which is why in this country we are fortunate to have a national vaccination programme.

The good news is that this is the last ‘routine’ vaccination that children are given in the UK and it follows on from the earlier childhood vaccinations that children receive.

The vaccination for all three diseases is given in just the one small injection, and it’s important to keep a record of when this was given, particularly if going off to university, travelling in a gap year or joining the armed forces. Information about this vaccine and indeed any others can be obtained from myself, your GP or alternatively on the immunisation web site at www.immunisation.nhs.uk

On the subject of vaccines, many of you will have heard in the national press about the introduction of the new HPV vaccine.

The Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine is aimed at young girls between the ages of 12 and 13. It will be given in secondary school in S2 starting autumn next year.

The vaccine has proven to be most effective against the two most common strains of Human Papilloma Virus that cause over 70% of cervical cancers. The vaccine has been widely used throughout Australia and America for some time, but will now be available in the UK.

For girls over age 12/13 there will be a ‘catch up’ facility available, this has yet to be announced but is most likely to be available through GP surgeries.

The use of this vaccine in no way affects the current nationwide cervical cancer surveillance/screening programme. Most women will not have received this vaccine, and the vaccine will not protect against the forms of cervical cancer that make up the remaining 30%, hence it is vital that we remain vigilant against this disease and ensure we attend for our cervical screening smear check ups.

The programme involves the usual initial injection, followed by one further injection at the two month and then the four month mark - three in total.

This is a much longed-for opportunity to protect our young women before they get involved in a physically intimate relationship. If you would like any further information about the HPV vaccine, please do not hesitate to contact myself or your GP.

I can be contacted via the school office or on 0783 4445336 if you have any concerns or require any advice regarding health, and I always appreciate any feedback. Bev Corrigan

Further information is also available at www.immunisation.nhs.uk/files/HPV_Q&A.pdf.

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