Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine

At our pharmacy, the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio vaccine is available for £35.00 per single dose.

Please note that the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio vaccine is also available free of charge on the NHS, but only through your GP surgery. However, not all GP surgeries provide travel vaccination services, and you may need to book your appointment up to 8 weeks in advance.

Our pharmacy team will always inform you about the travel vaccines you can receive free of charge on the NHS, including Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio, Hepatitis A, and Cholera. If you prefer a more convenient option, you can choose to receive your Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio vaccine vaccination privately with us.

If you are considering the vaccine for travel purposes we also offer a travel vaccine advice consultation for £10, which is refundable if you choose to vaccinate with us. During this consultation, we can help you determine which vaccines are necessary for your travel plans and discuss any other travel health needs.

Diphtheria:

• Background: Diphtheria is a serious infection affecting the nose, throat, and occasionally the skin.
• Causes and Transmission: Caused by bacteria and spread through respiratory droplets or close contact with an infected person.
• Symptoms: Include a thick coating in the throat, fever, and swollen neck glands. Severe cases can lead to breathing difficulties and heart problems.
• At-Risk Groups: Unvaccinated individuals, particularly in areas where the disease is present.

Tetanus:

• Background: Tetanus is a severe condition affecting the nervous system.
• Causes and Transmission: Caused by bacteria found in soil and manure, entering the body through wounds.
• Symptoms: Causes muscle stiffness and spasms, typically starting with the jaw (lockjaw).
• At-Risk Groups: Anyone with contaminated wounds, especially if not fully vaccinated.

Polio:

• Background: Polio is a viral infection that can cause paralysis and breathing problems.
• Causes and Transmission: Caused by a virus spread through contaminated faeces or, less commonly, respiratory droplets.
• Symptoms: Often no symptoms, but can range from flu-like illness to paralysis.
• At-Risk Groups: Primarily affects children under 5 in areas where it still exists, but any unvaccinated person could be at risk.

The Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (DTP) vaccine contains safe forms of the germs that cause these diseases. When given to you:

• For diphtheria and tetanus, the vaccine has harmless versions of the toxins (poisons) made by these bacteria.
• For polio, it contains killed virus particles.

These safe forms teach your body how to fight off the real germs if you ever come into contact with them. It’s like giving your immune system a practice run, so it’s prepared for the real thing.

After you get the vaccine, your body makes protective antibodies. These antibodies are like your body’s own personal army, ready to defend you against these diseases.

The DTP vaccine is very effective at protecting people:

• It protects about 97 out of 100 people from diphtheria.
• For tetanus, it protects nearly everyone who gets the full course of vaccines.
• It protects 99 to 100 out of 100 people from polio after all the recommended doses.

Even in the rare cases where someone who’s had the vaccine still gets one of these illnesses, it’s usually much less severe than if they hadn’t been vaccinated.

Remember, getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps stop these diseases from spreading in your community.

For Adults Requiring Boosters or Full Courses:
Our pharmacy offers DTP vaccinations for adults who may have missed childhood vaccinations or require boosters. The typical schedule for adults includes:

• A primary course of three doses, given one month apart
• A booster dose 5 years after the primary course
• Further boosters every 10 years, if needed

Travel Considerations:
We recommend completing any required doses at least two weeks before departure. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status or need travel advice, we encourage you to book a consultation with us. Our £10 consultation fee is refundable if you choose to receive your vaccination from us.

After completing a full course of vaccination as an adult:

• Protection typically lasts for about 10 years.
• Booster doses are recommended every 10 years for continued protection, especially for travellers to high-risk areas or those with ongoing occupational risk.

Our healthcare team can advise you on when you might need a booster based on your individual circumstances and risk factors.

The DTP vaccine is recommended for:

• Adults who haven’t completed a primary course of vaccination.
• Those requiring booster doses.
• Travellers to areas where these diseases are prevalent.
• Individuals at occupational risk (e.g., healthcare workers, laboratory staff).

Age and Health Restrictions:

• The vaccine should not be administered to those with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine components.
• Individuals with bleeding disorders may require special consideration.
• While pregnancy is not a contraindication, vaccination is generally deferred unless there’s a high risk of infection.

Common side effects include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Fatigue
• Headache

Rare but serious side effects may include:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• High fever
• Unusual behaviour changes

What to do:

• Mild side effects can usually be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Most symptoms resolve within a few days.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness. For urgent concerns, contact NHS 111.
• For persistent or severe symptoms, please contact your GP.

If you’ve received your vaccine from us and have concerns about side effects, please contact us for advice.

Even if vaccinated, we recommend the following precautions:

• Practise good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Exercise caution with food and water in areas with poor sanitation
• Clean any wounds promptly and thoroughly
• Avoid contact with individuals known to have these infections

For specific travel advice, consult with our team when you come for your vaccination.

There are no specific restrictions before your appointment, but if you’re feeling unwell or have a fever, it’s best to reschedule.

Please inform a member of our team of any current medications, health conditions, or recent vaccinations.

Bring any relevant medical records and arrive 5 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork. If you are bringing a child for vaccination, please bring photo identification to confirm you are the legal guardian.

Yes, the DTP vaccine can generally be given alongside other vaccines; however, each should be administered at a different injection site.

Always inform your vaccinator about any recent or scheduled vaccinations to ensure proper timing and effectiveness.

If you miss a dose, contact us as soon as possible to reschedule. The course can usually be resumed without repeating previous doses, but the timing may need to be adjusted.

You can check your vaccination status by:

• Reviewing your personal health records or vaccination booklet
• Using the NHS app, if you have access
• Contacting your GP surgery

If you’re unsure, our healthcare team can discuss your vaccination history during a consultation.

If any other people in your booking are aged 18 or over, you will need to have their consent to book the appointment on their behalf.

If anyone in your booking is under 18, you will need to provide their legal guardian’s details and they must be accompanied to the appointment by their legal guardian.

We’ll send you an appointment confirmation email, which can be used to reschedule your appointment. Alternatively, the email will also contain the contact details for the pharmacy. Please call the pharmacy as soon as you can to let them know if you can’t make it to your appointment. They’ll be able to help you if you need to reschedule. We appreciate advance notice so we can offer the appointment to another patient.

Yes, the DTP vaccine is available for free on the NHS for several groups:

1. Children: As part of the routine immunisation schedule.
2. Adults who have never been vaccinated against these diseases: The NHS offers a full course of vaccinations free of charge.
3. Pregnant women: The vaccine is offered during pregnancy to protect against whooping cough, which includes protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
4. Individuals who require a booster dose due to an injury: If you’ve had a tetanus-prone wound and require a booster, this is typically provided free by the NHS.
5. Some travellers: In certain cases, the NHS may provide free vaccinations if you’re travelling to an area with a high risk of these diseases.

However, for many adults requiring booster doses for travel or personal protection, the vaccine may not be available for free on the NHS. Our pharmacy offers a convenient and accessible option for those who need DTP vaccination, whether for boosters or full courses.

For the most up-to-date information, you can consult:

• The NHS website
• The NHS Fit For Travel Website
• The GOV.UK page for any destination that you are considering travelling to

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP or another qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The content here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness and does not replace professional medical consultation.

For urgent medical advice, you can contact NHS 111 or your GP. In case of a medical emergency, call 999 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this website is at your own risk.

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The content on this page was last reviewed by a member of the pharmacy team on August 5.