Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio Booster: Are You Up to Date?

You probably received vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio as a child. But did you know protection doesn't last forever? If you're planning travel or simply want to ensure you're protected, a booster may be necessary.

Understanding These Three Diseases

Diphtheria

A serious bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and airways.

How it spreads: Through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)

Symptoms:

Thick grey coating in the throat
Difficulty breathing and swallowing
Fever and malaise
In severe cases, heart and nerve damage

Current status: Rare in the UK due to vaccination, but cases occur in unvaccinated individuals, often linked to travel.

Tetanus (Lockjaw)

A serious infection caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and manure entering wounds.

How it spreads: Through contaminated cuts, punctures, or burns

Symptoms:

Muscle stiffness and spasms
Jaw stiffness (lockjaw)
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing difficulties
Potentially fatal

Current status: Cannot be eradicated (the bacteria are environmental), so vaccination remains essential.

Polio

A viral infection that can cause paralysis.

How it spreads: Through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals

Symptoms:

Often mild or none
Can cause irreversible paralysis
May be fatal

Current status: Largely eliminated globally through vaccination, but still present in a few countries. Polio could return if vaccination rates fall.

The UK Vaccination Schedule

Under the NHS, you should have received:

Age	Vaccine
8, 12, 16 weeks	6-in-1 (includes DTP) — 3 doses
3 years 4 months	Pre-school booster (4-in-1)
14 years	Teenage booster (3-in-1)

This gives 5 doses total, which provides long-lasting (possibly lifelong) protection for most people who complete the schedule.

When Do You Need a Booster?

For Travel

If you're travelling to areas where these diseases are present, check your vaccination status:

Diphtheria:

Endemic in parts of Africa, South Asia, former Soviet states
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago

Tetanus:

Risk everywhere with any wound
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago

Polio:

Still present in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some African countries
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago

After Injury

If you have a tetanus-prone wound (dirty, puncture, contains foreign material), you may need a booster if your last dose was more than 5-10 years ago, depending on wound severity.

Incomplete Childhood Vaccination

If you missed doses as a child (or can't confirm your history), we can help you catch up.

Checking Your Vaccination Status

Not sure if you're up to date? Here's how to find out:

Check your Red Book (childhood vaccination record)
Contact your GP — They should have records
Ask us — We can advise based on your history

If records are unavailable, it's safe to have a booster. There's no harm in receiving an additional dose.

The Vaccine We Offer

We provide the combined Revaxis vaccine (or equivalent), protecting against all three diseases in a single injection.

Dose: Single injection
Protection: Maintains immunity for approximately 10 years
Side effects: Mild—usually just soreness at injection site

Why It Matters

These diseases may seem like relics of the past in the UK, but they're only rare because of vaccination. Outbreaks can occur, especially with increasing global travel and pockets of under-vaccination.

Tetanus, in particular, remains an ongoing risk—the bacteria exist everywhere in our environment.

Get Your Booster at Pulteney Pharmacy

Whether you're preparing for travel or simply ensuring your protection is current, we can help.

✔ No GP referral needed
✔ Same-day appointments often available
✔ Quick and convenient
✔ Full documentation provided

📞 01225 466454 | 📍 35 Great Pulteney Street, Bath

Book your DTP booster

Stay protected. Stay prepared.