A reminder for parents and carers of the importance of routine immunisations in teens

A reminder for parents and carers of the importance of routine immunisations in teens from the Department for Education

The national routine childhood immunisation programme has a direct positive impact on the health and wellbeing of children and communities and is vital to reduce the spread of infection and prevent outbreaks.

In addition to the flu and COVID-19 vaccines that have been offered to school-aged children this academic year, teenagers are routinely offered 3 vaccines in secondary schools:

human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Years 8 and 9
menACWY vaccine in Year 9
Td/IPV (3-in-1 booster) in Year 9

The delivery of these routine adolescent immunisation programmes has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine coverage is still not at pre-pandemic levels. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) are reminding parents and carers about the important protection these immunisations provide. They are also encouraging take up and catch up of vaccinations for anybody who has missed out.

Education and childcare settings have a vital role to play in supporting the routine immunisation programme. It would be very helpful for settings to share information with parents. Further information can be found in the UKHSA immunisation guidance.

A wide range of immunisation support resources for educational settings are available which can be shared with parents. They can be ordered on the health publications website or by calling 0300 123 1002. For further information, please email immunisations@phe.gov.uk