3-in-1 protection while you travel
A combined diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine is used for immunisation against diphtheria, tetanus & polio. These diseases have previously had devastating effects throughout history, with many fatalities and life-long health complications.
Nowadays, these diseases are very rare, particularly in the UK and this is thanks to effective childhood vaccination programmes. For this to remain the case, it is important for the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine to continue being part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule.
In many other countries these diseases are still prevalent and anyone travelling to these areas should consider the vaccine. One of our pharmacist can advise you on which countries recommend a diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine for travel purposes.
The vaccine we use to immunise against diphtheria, tetanus & polio is Revaxis which provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus & polio. It is specifically intended as a booster and should not be given as the primary course and/or to children under the age of 6. The diphtheria, tetanus & polio combined vaccine is a provided in a single injection. A booster is required every 10 years.
The good news is, protection has never been easier. Health Plus Pharmacy make the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination convenient and accessible for all the community in Cardiff and Pontypool. Book an appointment with your local Health Plus Pharmacist to keep you safe.
Check the risks of a country you’re travelling to on the TravelHealthPro website
About the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine
Price: £35 per dose of the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination
Doses per course: 1
Price per course: £35
When to get vaccinated: You should get your diphtheria, tetanus & polio booster two weeks before travel.
Course: If you have had the vaccine before, you will need one dose as a booster. If it’s your first jab, you may need several doses.
Boosters: How long does the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine last? The vaccine protects you for 10 years. You will need a booster to remain protected after 10 years.
Who to get vaccinated: We offer the vaccine for children from the age of 10.
How it is given: The diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.
Side effects: You may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or feeling unwell.
Risk if you contract diphtheria, tetanus & polio: Diphtheria, tetanus & polio are serious illnesses which can cause a range of complications. They can be fatal.
About the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination
When given as a booster prior to travel, the diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine requires only one injection. If you last had this vaccine more than ten years ago, you’ll need a booster before you travel.
It contains active ingredients to help your body develop an immunity to all three diseases. Don’t worry if you notice redness, swelling or soreness at the site of injection, as this is a common side effect. You may also feel unwell, experience nausea or develop a fever and headache shortly after the jab.
Revaxis is the combined Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine used by the Health Plus Pharmacy. It is specifically intended as a booster and should not be given as the primary course and/or to children under the age of 6. The diphtheria, tetanus & polio combined vaccine is a provided in a single injection. A booster is required every 10 years.
How the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine is given?
The diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine is given as 1 separate injection, usually into the upper arm.
Diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination schedule
One booster dose. If you have never had the vaccine before you may need more than one dose.
You should get your diphtheria, tetanus & polio booster two weeks before travel.
How effective is the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination
The diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine is very effective. The table below shows the average number of deaths in the UK each year, before and after introduction of a diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine:
Disease | Before | After |
---|---|---|
Diphtheria | 3500 | 0 |
Tetanus | 200 | 0 |
Polio | 200 | 0 |
Total | 3900 | 0 |
Source: Public Health England
Who should have the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination
The diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine should form part of your childhood vaccination schedule, making it relevant for everyone.
Diphtheria, tetanus & polio is licenced from 6 years of age but it can be given from that age onwards including adults.
It is also considered a travel vaccine as adults who haven’t had their booster in the last 10 years will require a booster to top up their protection when traveling to high risk countries. Areas with a high incidence of polio and diphtheria include parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
People travelling to these high risk countries should ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date before leaving. You should get your diphtheria, tetanus & polio booster two weeks before travel.
For up-to-date information about the area you’re visiting, check the TravelHealthPro country guides.
Who cannot have the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine
Do not have the diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccine jab if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or an ingredient in the vaccine.
If you’re ill with a fever postpone vaccination until you’re better. This is so any symptoms of an existing illness cannot be confused with an adverse reaction to the vaccine.
Monitoring vaccine safety
In the UK the Yellow Card Scheme allows doctors, other healthcare professionals, and you to report suspected side effects from any medicine you are taking, including vaccines.
It is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA regularly reviews the yellow card reports. If it feels there is a potential problem, it will carry out an investigation and, if necessary, take appropriate action.
Most reactions reported through the Yellow Card Scheme have been minor reactions such as rashes, fever, vomiting, and redness and swelling where the injection was given.
There is also a legal requirement for pharmaceutical companies to report serious and suspected adverse events to the MHRA.
Find out how to report a vaccine side effect