About School Immunisations for years 8 and 9

The School Immunisation Team offers the following vaccinations to all teenage pupils across Leeds.

In year 8 all pupils will be offered the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination. This is currently a two dose schedule given at the recommended 6-24 months apart. The consent covers both doses to be given within these time frames. You can find out more information about the HPV vaccination in the useful links box to the right hand side of the page.

In year 9 your child will be offered their Teenage booster for DTP (Diphtheria, tetanus and Polio) and Meningitis ACWY vaccinations. We also take the opportunity to check that Year 9 children are up to date with their MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccinations and offer this vaccine if they are not already up to date.

You can find out more information about the Teenage booster vaccinations in the useful links box to the right hand side of the page.

If your child misses their opportunity to receive their vaccinations in school, you will automatically be sent a text message inviting you to call us to book an appointment at one of our community clinics. Please be aware that this relies on the number on your GP record being up to date.  If you think your child is outstanding any of their vaccinations and you have not received a text message, please feel free to contact us on 0113 8433101 or via email at schoolimmsteam@nhs.net

Please note, there will currently only be the one opportunity for your child to be vaccinated in school. The team may be able to make a phone call to you on the day to gain verbal consent, but this is dependent on time constraints during the session, therefore, it is vital you fill in the online intent form as soon as possible so you do not have to attend a clinic in your own time.

Please also note that GP practices do not routinely offer the year 8 and 9 immunisations whilst pupils are still in these cohorts because they are provided as a school based program.

The School Immunisation Team now use online consent forms. There are many benefits of this including making the process easier for parent/carers, avoiding paper forms being lost in school bags and reduces our carbon foot print. 

Here is the link for the intent form and information about the vaccination for Year 8. You will need the unique code from the letter you have been sent from school.

Here is the link for the intent form and information about the Year 9 DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) booster and Meningitis ACWY vaccination. You will need the unique code from the letter you have been sent from school. 

If you do not have the information regarding your school’s individual code, or if you have any questions, you can email us on schoolimmsteam@nhs.net or call on 0113 8433101 and we will be happy to help in any way.

Referrals for older year groups

If your child is currently in year 10 or 11 and you believe they have missed any of their teenage vaccinations, please contact the school immunisation team in the first instance to ask about booking a community clinic appointment. Alternatively, you can contact your GP practice who may be happy to provide these at your surgery.

Referrals for Home Educated Pupils

All home educated pupils will be invited by our team at the relevant age to attend an appointment at one of our community clinics to receive their vaccinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Immunisation Schedule in Leeds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Q Is there a maximum length of time between HPV vaccination doses 1 and 2?

  The Vaccination Advisory Committee recommends a spacing of 6-24 months which we are adhering to.

• QIs it safe to give 3 vaccinations at the same time?

  A number of studies have been done to look at the effects of giving various combinations of vaccines, and when every new vaccine is licensed this means it has been tested along with the vaccines already recommended for a particular aged child. The recommended vaccines have been shown to be as effective and safe in combination as they are individually. 

• QWhat if I don’t want my child to have the 3 vaccinations at the same time?

  We encourage you to contact our School Immunisation Team to discuss this. Our qualified and experienced Nurses can answer any specific concerns you may have and discuss options with you if needed.

• QWill receiving these immunisations later cause any detriment to a child/young person’s immunity?

  Recommendations for the age at which vaccines should be administered are informed by the age-specific risk for a disease, the risk of disease complications, the ability to respond to the vaccine and the impact on spread in the population. The schedule should therefore be followed as closely as possible. However, receiving the DTP and Men ACWY later in the academic year or following academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic will not reduce the effectivity of the vaccine or the protection it provides.

• QIf I signed for consent before school closures, do I need to do it again?

  No, consent forms are still effective as NHS Public Health England state that consent remains valid unless the individual who gave it withdraws it or in the event there are any new risks or a new drug becoming available. If you have concerns about consent, please contact us.

• QWhat if my child missed out on the rescheduled vaccine session because they were off school due to illness or Covid-19 isolation?

  They will be offered the opportunity to attend a community clinic and our team will be in touch with you.

• QWhere can I find out more information about the vaccinations?

  www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk

  www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations  

  www.gov.uk

  www.gov.uk/coronavirus

   

  You can also contact us:

  Tel: 0113 8433101 

  8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday

  Email: schoolimmsteam@nhs.net

  We offer a citywide service but operate out of:

  Woodhouse Health Centre
  Cambridge Road
  LS6 2SF

• Contact