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All you need to know after having a vaccination

After having a vaccination, you may have some minor side effects. For example:

  • Often people experience redness, swelling or pain around the injection site, and may have a bit of a headache
  • Other common side effects include some bruising or itchiness at the injection site, a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery, sick and some pain in the arms and legs.

These symptoms shouldn’t last very long, and taking pain killers, such as paracetamol, can help you feel better. It’s also a good idea to have something to eat, and a drink so you stay hydrated after you’ve had a vaccination. If your symptoms last a while, or get worse, call the free NHS helpline on 111, or contact your GP.

More information about the vaccines you’re offered at secondary school, and their possible side effects, is set out in the patient information leaflets:

3-in-1 booster vaccine

The brand name of the 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccine is Revaxis®.

Patient information leaflet for Revaxis®

Read more about the possible side effects of the 3-in-1 vaccination.

Meningitis ACWY

The brand name of the Meningitis ACWY vaccine UK is Nimenrix.

Patient information leaflet for Nimenrix

Read more about the MenACWY vaccination

HPV

The brand name of the HPV vaccine is Gardasil

Patient information leaflet for Gardasil

Read more about the possible side effects of the HPV vaccination

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

Further information on HPV and pain killers can be found on www.nhs.uk

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