A guide to the 3 in 1 teenage booster (Td/IPV) vaccine
Published 11 August 2023
Applies to England
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At 14 years old or during Year 9 of school, you become eligible for the 3 in 1 teenage booster dose of the vaccine that prevents tetanus, diphtheria and polio. The Td/IPV vaccine will boost your body’s immunity to these infectious diseases which may have decreased as you have grown up.
Td/IPV vaccine’s protection
The Td/IPV vaccine prevents against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
T: 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.
d: 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.
IPV: 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.
The teenage booster vaccine is called Revaxis, which has more information in the Patient Information Leaflet.
Booster requirements
You need a booster even if you were immunised as a child
You need a total of 5 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines to build up and keep your immunity.
You should have had 5 doses:
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the first 3 doses as a baby
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dose 4 when you were between 3 and 5 years old, this is the preschool booster
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dose 5 is due in school year 9, when you are 13 or 14 years old
Future boosters
Once you have completed the course of 5 doses, you will probably not need further boosters of these vaccines. However, you may need extra doses of some vaccines if you are visiting certain countries or if you have an injury, you may need another tetanus injection. Check with your practice nurse at your GP surgery.
How the Td/IPV booster is given
You will get one injection in your upper arm. Nobody likes injections, but it is very quick. The needles used are small and you should feel only a tiny pinprick.
If you are a bit nervous about having the injection, tell the nurse or doctor before you have it.
Other immunisations due as a teenager
When you are having your Td/IPV booster you will also be eligible for your MenACWY vaccine. You should have this before your leave school. Speak to your school nurse if you have missed out and are still at school. If you have left school, you should contact your GP practice to arrange to catch up.
It’s a good idea to check with your GP practice that all your other immunisations are up to date including HPV and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
If you have never had the MMR vaccine, you should have one dose now and another one month later to protect you from measles, mumps and rubella.
It’s not too late to catch up on any immunisations you might have missed.
Now is a good time to check that you have had all the necessary doses of vaccine you are eligible for.
Side effects
It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have the injection. Sometimes a small painless lump develops, but this usually disappears in a few weeks. More serious effects are rare but include fever, headache, dizziness or feeling faint, feeling sick and swollen glands.
If you feel unwell after the immunisation, take paracetamol. Read the instructions on the bottle or packet carefully and take the correct dose for your age. If necessary, take a second dose 4 to 6 hours later. If your temperature is still high after the second dose, speak to your GP or call the free NHS helpline 111.
Find out more information about vaccinations and side effects on NHS.UK.
If you experience any suspected side effects to the vaccine, you can report these on the Yellow Card website or by calling 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or by downloading the Yellow Card app.