Td/IPV vaccine
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The Td/IPV vaccine completes the 5 dose course that provides long-term protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.
If your immunisation session was not possible during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, your health board will be in touch to rearrange your appointment.
If you have left school or are unsure if you have missed any vaccinations, contact your GP to check.
What's tetanus?
Tetanus is a painful disease affecting the nervous system that can lead to muscle spasms, cause breathing problems and even kill. It's caused by germs found in soil and manure getting into the body through open cuts or burns.
Tetanus can't be passed from person to person.
What's 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, can kill. Diphtheria is passed from person to person through close contact.
Before the diphtheria vaccine was introduced in the UK, there were up to 70,000 cases of diphtheria a year, causing around 5,000 deaths.
What's polio?
Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill. The polio virus is usually spread from person to person or by swallowing contaminated food or water.
Before the polio vaccine was introduced, there were as many as 8,000 cases in the UK during the polio epidemic. Because of the continued success of the polio vaccination, there have been no cases of paralytic polio in the UK for nearly 40 years (the last case was in 1984). Polio remains a threat with poliovirus traces found in London sewage in early 2022.
Being fully vaccinated is the best way to protect against becoming ill from polio. It's important to make sure you and your child are up to date with your vaccines.
Why should I be vaccinated?
You need a total of 5 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines to build up and keep your immunity.
You should have:
- the first 3 doses as a baby
- the fourth dose when you were aged from 3 years 4 months and before you started school
- the fifth dose between 13 and 18 years of age
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
All young people are eligible for the vaccination as part of their routine immunisation schedule.
Read more about the vaccines offered to young people
When will I be immunised?
You'll be offered the Td/IPV vaccine when you’re in S3 (around 14 years of age) at school. Your health board will organise the vaccination clinic. You do not need to make an appointment.
Find out more about the vaccinations you'll be offered at school
Find out how to contact your health board regarding your vaccination appointment
Further information and other languages and formats
If you’re unsure about anything, or have any questions about the Td/IPV vaccine, contact:
The vaccine
What vaccine is used?
The REVAXIS vaccine is routinely used in Scotland. You can find the ingredients of the Td/IPV vaccine in this patient information leaflet.
The Td/IPV vaccine is given as an injection in your upper arm.
How many doses of the vaccine do I need?
You'll only need one dose of the vaccine.
How do we know the vaccine is safe?
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The vaccine meets the high safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries and has been given to millions of people worldwide.
Once they're in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the MHRA.
Are there any reasons I shouldn't have the vaccine?
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your GP or health professional before having the immunisation if you have:
- a bleeding disorder
- convulsions (fits) not associated with fever
There are very few young people who can't have the Td/IPV vaccine. You shouldn't have the vaccine if you've had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to:
- neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B (antibiotics that may be added to vaccines in very tiny amounts)
- a previous vaccine
There are no other medical reasons why this vaccine shouldn't be given. If you're worried, talk to the health professional or GP.
After the vaccine
After having the vaccine there may be side effects, but these are usually mild.
Side effects
The common side effects of the Td/IPV vaccine are mostly felt around the area of the arm where you've had the injection, and include:
- soreness
- swelling
- redness
- mild itching
If you experience any of these side effects, they'll wear off after a couple of days.
Less common side effects include:
- headaches
- nausea
- fever (high temperature)
If you feel unwell after the immunisation, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Read the instructions on the packet carefully and take the correct dose for your age. We don't recommend you take these medicines in advance to prevent a fever from happening.
Remember, never give medicines that contain aspirin to children under 16.
The diseases vaccines protect against are very serious, so vaccination should not be delayed because of concerns about post-vaccination fever.
If you feel unwell at any time after getting immunised, you should contact your GP. If you're worried, trust your instincts. Speak to your GP or phone 111.
Immediate action required: Phone 999 immediately if:
- you or the child has a fit
If you think you or the child is seriously ill, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice.
Urgent advice: Phone your GP immediately if, at any time, you or your child:
- has a temperature of 39°C or above
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111 immediately.
Further information and other languages and formats
More information on what to expect after a vaccine can be found in this leaflet, available in multiple languages and formats:
