Dear Parent/Carer
As your child may have made you aware, the 0-19 team are coming into school to undertake the immunization of all Year 10 pupils to protect them against Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio. This immunization is the final booster to complete a course started at 3 months of age.
Ideally, the NHS would like to be able to immunize 100% of the population. Their target this year is to immunize 90% of this cohort of young people.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Specialist Community Public Health Practitioner, Mrs J Parry Okeden, on 01234 310849 or the 0-19 Locality Manager, Kate Morris on 01525 636999. Alternatively, visit the immunization website on www.immunisation.nhs.uk.
Diptheria is a serious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. The bacteria are spread through the air by people sneezing or coughing and direct skin-to-skin contact. The disease can result in very severe breathing problems. It can also cause heart failure and paralysis.
Tetanus also called lockjaw is caused by bacteria mostly found in soil. When the germs enter the skin through a cut or scrape they produce a poison that can cause painful tightening of muscles all over the body. It is a very serious if the breathing muscles are affected.
Polio is a disease caused by a virus. While some polio infections show no symptoms, others can result in paralysis of arms or legs and even death. Polio can be spread by contact with the bowel movements (stool) of an infected person. This can happen from eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus.
Yours sincerely
Mr D Bailey
Headteacher
