The teenage booster, also known as the 3-in-1 or the Td/IPV vaccine, is given to boost protection against 3 separate diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
It's a single injection given into the muscle of the upper arm.
Learn more about immunisations for young people
Who should have the 3-in-1 booster?
The 3-in-1 teenage booster is free on the NHS for all young people aged 14, as part of the national immunisation programme.
It's routinely given at secondary school (in school year 9) at the same time as the MenACWY vaccine.
Schools will send a letter to parents shortly before the vaccinations are planned to ask for their or their child's consent.
Children who are home educated will also be offered the vaccine, provided they're in an eligible school age group.
Read answers to the common questions parents ask about the 3-in-1 teenage booster jab
How safe is the 3-in-1 booster vaccine?
The 3-in-1 teenage booster is a very safe vaccine.
As with all vaccines, some people may have minor side effects, such as swelling, redness or tenderness where the injection is given.
Sometimes a small painless lump develops, but it usually disappears in a few weeks.
The brand name of the 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine given in the UK is Revaxis.
Read the patient information leaflet for Revaxis
Read more about possible side effects of the 3-in-1 vaccination
Page last reviewed: 8 December 2020
Next review due: 8 December 2023