Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio

When to book a DTP booster

A diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster may be recommended if:

• You are travelling abroad and have not had all 5 doses, or a booster in the last 10 years
• You are visiting a country where diphtheria, tetanus or polio is still common
• You did not complete your childhood vaccinations
• You are unsure of your vaccination history
• You work somewhere with higher infection risk, such as healthcare or agriculture

Boosters are commonly recommended for sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines, parts of the Middle East where vaccination programmes have been disrupted, Afghanistan and Pakistan where wild poliovirus still circulates, and rural Central and South America.

Many adults are unsure of their vaccination history. In most cases it is safe to have a booster even if you are not certain of previous doses, and we will record it so you have a clear record going forward. Book 4 to 6 weeks before travel.

What are diphtheria, tetanus and polio?

• Diphtheria - a bacterial infection of the throat and airways spread by coughs, sneezes and close contact. It causes a thick grey-white coating at the back of the throat, high temperature, sore throat, swollen neck glands and difficulty breathing or swallowing, and can damage the heart and nervous system
• Tetanus - caused by bacteria in soil and animal manure entering through cuts and wounds. It causes lockjaw, painful muscle spasms spreading from the jaw and neck, difficulty swallowing, fever and sweating. It is a medical emergency and can cause breathing failure
• Polio - a viral infection attacking the nervous system. It starts with flu-like symptoms and can cause permanent paralysis of the legs, arms or breathing muscles. It has been eliminated from the UK and most countries but remains a risk in a few regions

The vaccine and schedule

In the UK, children are vaccinated at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, with boosters at 3 years 4 months and at 14. If you have completed the full 5-dose course you are generally well protected, and may only need a booster for higher-risk travel if it has been more than 10 years. If you have not completed the course, your pharmacist will advise how many doses you need. The vaccine is a single injection in the upper arm.

Side effects are usually mild and settle within a few days: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, a mild high temperature, tiredness, headache or muscle aches. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Is the DTP vaccine safe in pregnancy?

Yes. The NHS recommends a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, given as a combined vaccine that also covers diphtheria, tetanus and polio, usually between 16 and 32 weeks. It protects your baby in the first weeks of life before their own vaccinations begin.

Find the DTP vaccine near you

No GP referral required. Trained pharmacist vaccinators, fast appointments often within days, a vaccination record for future reference and comprehensive travel health consultations. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.