The 4-in-1 vaccine protects against four serious infectious diseases:
The vaccine is given to your child because these diseases can cause severe illness, permanent disability, or death, particularly during infancy and early childhood.
It boosts the immunity gained from the earlier infant 6-in-1 vaccination programme.
The 4-in-1 vaccine used in the UK is supplied as:
Both vaccines provide protection against the same four diseases.
In Wales, babies are routinely offered the vaccine at 3 years and 4 months old
The vaccine is given as an injection in your child’s thigh muscle. The vaccine can also be given in your child’s upper arm
The booster is timed shortly before children begin school because as children grow the initial protection naturally decreases over time. The booster at 3 years and 4 months strengthens immune memory and provides longer-lasting protection throughout early childhood, especially as children begin mixing more with others in nurseries and social settings.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection.
The bacteria infect the nose and throat and produce a powerful toxin that damages cells throughout the body. It can quickly lead to breathing problems and may damage the heart and nerves. In severe cases, it may cause death
Before the diphtheria vaccine was introduced to the UK, there were up to 70,000 cases of diphtheria and up to 5,000 deaths a year.
By vaccinating our children, diphtheria is rare in the UK, but cases continue to occur worldwide.
How does diphtheria spread?
Diphtheria spreads through:
The infection spreads rapidly where vaccination rates are low.
Symptoms may include:
A thick grey membrane (pseudomembrane) developing in the throat, which may block the airway
Complications
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a disease that 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
The bacteria is common in our environment and found in soil, dust and animal manure.
It can enter the body through a wound, cut, burn, animal bites, or scratches. Tetanus cannot spread from person to person.
Symptoms
Complications
Even with modern medical treatment, tetanus remains a serious condition.
What is whooping cough?
Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is an infection that affects the lungs and airways. Whooping cough is very infectious, which means it passes easily from one person to another
Although older children and adults often recover, it is particularly dangerous for young babies, especially before they have completed their vaccination. Which is why whooping cough vaccinations are given in pregnancy as well.
How does whooping cough spread?
The infection spreads through respiratory droplets released when infected people:
After one to two weeks, severe coughing attacks develop.
Symptoms may include:
Young babies may not cough but instead stop breathing temporarily (apnoea).
Complications
Complications include:
Babies younger than six months are at greatest risk.
What is polio?
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.
Before the polio vaccine was introduced, there were as many as 8,000 cases of polio in the UK. Thanks to the polio vaccination’s ongoing success, the UK hasn’t seen a natural polio infection in over 40 years. The last case was reported in 1984. This is why it is important to vaccinate to stop diseases such as polio from coming back
How does polio spread?
Symptoms
Many infected people have no symptoms.
Those who become ill may develop:
Rarely, polio can lead to more serious symptoms that affect the brain and nerves, such as weakness in your muscles (paralysis), usually in the legs.
Complications
Polio can cause:
Can my child have the vaccine if they have a cold?
A minor illness does not usually require postponement.
Vaccination can normally continue if the child has:
Can children with egg allergy receive REPEVAX?
Yes. REPEVAX does not contain egg protein.
Relevant components to consider include possible trace manufacturing substances such as:
Are there any other reasons why the vaccine should not be given?
Very few children cannot have the 4-in-1 vaccination. The vaccine should not be given to children who have had a severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to:
Speak to your GP, practice nurse or health visitor before your child has the vaccination if your child:
What happens at the appointment?
The practice nurse or GP will explain about the vaccinations and answer your questions. With babies, the vaccine is given by injection in the thigh. In children over the age of 12 months, injections are usually given in the upper arm.
Write down any questions you have and ask the health professional at the vaccination appointment.