4-in-1 vaccine
Offered to children at 3 years and 4 months old.
The 4-in-1 vaccine, also known as the DTaP/IPV or dTaP/IPV vaccine, helps protect your child against:
- diphtheria, which can cause breathing problems, heart damage, and death in severe cases
- tetanus, which can damage the nervous system, cause breathing problems, and death in severe cases
- whooping cough (pertussis), which makes it hard to breathe because of coughing and choking, and can cause life-threatening complications in babies
- polio, which can cause permanent paralysis and death in severe cases
The 4-in-1 vaccine is the best way to protect your child against these serious diseases.
Read more about why your child should get the 4-in-1 vaccine
Who can get the 4-in-1 vaccine
The 4-in-1 vaccine is offered to children when they’re around 3 years and 4 months old.
The 4-in-1 vaccine boosts the vaccinations that were given to your child at when they were younger.
How to get the 4-in-1 vaccine
Each NHS health board in Scotland runs their vaccine programme differently. This is so they can deliver vaccines in the way that best suits local communities.
Your local NHS immunisation team will send you a letter. It will have details about your child’s vaccination appointment.
Side effects of the 4-in-1 vaccine
After the 4-in-1 vaccination (dTaP/IPV vaccination), your child might:
- develop swelling, pain, redness or a hard lump where the injection was given
- not be as hungry as usual
- be upset, irritable or restless
- be sleepy
- have diarrhoea or vomiting
- develop a mild fever
- get sore or swollen joints
- get a sore head
Fever can be expected after the vaccination. Fevers are usually mild. If your child is uncomfortable or unwell, you can give a dose of infant paracetamol. Read the instructions on the product packaging very carefully.
About the 4-in-1 vaccine your child will be offered
The following vaccines are routinely used in Scotland:
Read more about the 4-in-1 vaccine your child will be offered
Information about the 4-in-1 vaccine in other languages and formats
Public Health Scotland has produced information leaflets about the 4-in-1 vaccine. These leaflets are available in multiple languages and formats.
Information about the 4-in-1 vaccine in other languages and formats
Vaccine Safety Net
Public Health Scotland is a proud member of the Vaccine Safety Net and partners with NHS inform to provide reliable information on vaccine safety.
The Vaccine Safety Net is a global network of websites, evaluated by the World Health Organization, that provides reliable information on vaccine safety.
More about the Vaccine Safety Net