Some of the links included in this information lead to content created by other organisations and may not be available in Welsh.
On this page
The teenage 3-in-1 booster vaccine, also known as the Td/IPV vaccine, is given to boost protection against 3 separate diseases: tetanus (external site), diphtheria (external site) and polio (external site).
Tetanus affects the body’s nerves, causing muscle spasms and breathing problems. It is a severe disease that can lead to serious health problems if not treated quickly. It’s caused by germs found in soil or manure that enter the body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus cannot spread from person to person.
NHS 111 Wales - Tetanus (external site)
Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and a raised temperature (fever). It can quickly lead to breathing problems and may damage the heart and nerves. In severe cases, it may cause death. Diphtheria spreads by coughs and sneezes or close contact with an infected person.
NHS 111 Wales - Diphtheria (external site)
Polio is a virus that can affect your nerves. It can cause permanent muscle weakness, usually in the legs. If polio affects the chest muscles or the brain, it can lead to very serious health problems. You can catch polio if you come into contact with the poo of someone who is infected, or by breathing in droplets from their coughs or sneezes.
NHS 111 Wales - Polio (external site)
Young people aged 13-14 years (school year 9) are routinely offered the teenage 3-in-1 booster vaccine alongside the MenACWY vaccine. These vaccines are free on the NHS as part of the national immunisation programme.
In a few areas, where the vaccine is not given in school, you will be invited to have it at your GP surgery.
Young people who are homeschooled or not in mainstream education may be offered the vaccine at their GP surgery or community vaccination centre. You will need to make an appointment when it is due.
If you are unwell with a temperature on the day of the vaccine, it is best to wait until you are better to have the vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible. If you cannot attend your vaccination appointment, please cancel and rearrange the appointment. A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay your vaccine. If in doubt, discuss this with the person giving you your vaccination.
People with a tetanus prone wound may be offered a dose of the 3-in-1 vaccine depending on vaccine history and the nature of the wound.
A tetanus-prone wound is any wound that has a high risk of becoming infected with tetanus bacteria, typically due to contamination with soil, manure, or other sources of the bacteria.
If you’re concerned about a wound, contact 111, your GP or visit the nearest minor injury or A&E department.
A risk assessment will be completed to assess the wound and decide whether treatment is needed. If not fully vaccinated for tetanus, a dose of tetanus containing vaccine may be given.
The brand name of the teenage 3-in-1 booster vaccine given in the UK is Revaxis® (extertnal site)
It is a single injection normally given into the muscle of the upper arm.
No vaccine is 100% effective, but vaccination is still one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness from tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
All vaccines used in Wales are tested on thousands of people before they are offered to us. Vaccines are safe and effective. The teenage 3-in-1 booster vaccine meets all safety standards, and once a vaccine is in use, its safety is closely monitored.
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and may last a day or two.
The most common side effects are:
pain, swelling or redness where the injection was given
headache
a high temperature
dizziness
sickness and nausea
Reports of all side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet for the vaccine. For more information on side effects, go to: Home - electronic medicines compendium (emc) (external site) and type the name of the vaccine.
If symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, call NHS 111 Wales on 111 or your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard (external site), by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Rarely, people can have a severe reaction soon after the vaccination, which causes breathing difficulties and may cause them to collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and it can also happen with other medicines and food. These reactions are extremely rare, affecting less than one in a million people. Staff who give vaccinations are trained to manage these reactions.
People who have an anaphylactic reaction can be successfully treated and usually recover within a few hours.
If symptoms get worse or if you are concerned, call NHS 111 Wales on 111 or your GP surgery. Calls to NHS 111 Wales are free from landlines and mobile phones.
No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of these diseases, even if you or your child are vaccinated.
If you would like to learn more about the 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine or the diseases it protects against, a number of information resources are available to help.
You can also call NHS 111 or speak to your GP practice or school nurse for advice if you have any questions.