High school pupils in Scotland are offered vaccination against some serious, and even potentially life-threatening illnesses. These vaccines have been proven to offer protection, and in some cases prevent conditions such as meningitis, tetanus and a range of different cancers.
There are three main vaccinations offered routinely to pupils during high school:-
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is offered to all pupils in S1. It helps protect against a range of cancers affecting both men and women.
Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) Vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine is offered to pupils in S3. It protects against meningococcal bacteria types A, C, W, and Y, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (DTP) Vaccine
DTP vaccination is also offered in in S3. It offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, which are serious diseases affecting the respiratory and nervous systems.
These vaccines are offered in addition to the Influenza (Flu) vaccine, which is offered annually to all primary and secondary school pupils. It is administered as a nasal spray and is routinely offered between October and December.
Drop-in Vaccination Sessions
Fife’s immunisation team visits schools across Fife to deliver these and other vaccinations to children and young people in the Kingdom.
In the coming weeks, the team will be doing drop-in sessions in schools across Fife to provide a second opportunity for pupils in Fife who have missed the HPV, DTP or MenACWY vaccines when they were initially offered in school.
Other pages in Immunisation
Flu vaccination for healthcare and social care workers
All healthcare workers as well as frontline social care workers are eligible for the free flu jab. The strains circulating change constantly and the vaccine offered this year will give you the best possible protection against catching and spreading the virus.
