Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio
The combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster for travel, and where these infections still occur.
What is diphtheria, tetanus and polio?
Diphtheria, tetanus, and polio are serious infectious diseases that can cause severe illness and, in some cases, life-threatening complications.
- Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the nose and throat and can lead to breathing difficulties, heart problems, and nerve damage.
- Tetanus is caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds. It affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle stiffness and spasms.
- Polio is a viral infection that can affect the nervous system and may lead to paralysis.
Where are these diseases found?
Although these diseases are rare in the UK due to routine vaccination, they continue to occur in parts of:
- Africa
- Asia
- The Middle East
- Eastern Europe
- Central and South America
How are these diseases spread?
- Diphtheria spreads through coughing and sneezing, and close contact with an infected person.
- Tetanus is spread through bacteria entering the body through cuts, puncture wounds, burns, or animal bites.
- Polio spreads through contaminated food or water, contact with the faeces of an infected person, and close person-to-person contact.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the infection. They may include:
- Sore throat and difficulty breathing (diphtheria)
- Muscle stiffness and painful spasms (tetanus)
- Fever, headache, muscle weakness, and paralysis (polio)
Prevention
The risk of these infections can be reduced by:
- Ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date.
- Practising good hand hygiene.
- Drinking safe water and following food hygiene advice when travelling.
- Cleaning and covering cuts and wounds promptly.
- Seeking medical advice for deep or contaminated wounds.
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine
A combined vaccine is available in the UK to help protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. It is recommended for travellers visiting countries where these diseases remain a risk or where proof of vaccination may be required.
How is the vaccine given?
- The vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm.
- For most travellers who have completed their routine childhood vaccinations, one booster dose is sufficient.
- A booster dose provides protection for up to 10 years for travel purposes.
- The vaccine should ideally be given at least 2 weeks before travel.
Who can receive the vaccine?
The combined diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccine can be given to adults and children who require a booster for travel. During your travel health consultation, our pharmacist will review your vaccination history and travel itinerary to determine whether a booster is recommended.
Who should consider vaccination?
Vaccination may be appropriate for travellers who:
- Are visiting countries where diphtheria, tetanus, or polio remain a risk.
- Have not received a booster vaccination within the recommended timeframe.
- Will be travelling to remote areas where access to medical care may be limited.
- May be at increased risk of cuts, injuries, or exposure during travel.
When to seek medical attention
Seek medical advice if you:
- Develop symptoms suggestive of diphtheria, tetanus, or polio during or after travel.
- Sustain a deep, dirty, or contaminated wound, particularly if your tetanus vaccination status is uncertain.
- Experience sudden muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, severe muscle stiffness, or paralysis.
Health information notice: This page is for general guidance and does not replace a personal consultation. Our pharmacist confirms suitability, doses and timings at your appointment, based on your destination, medical history and travel plans.