Polio, diphtheria & tetanus Vaccination
If you are travelling to a risk area for polio or diphtheria, you may need the polio, diphtheria and tetanus vaccine. Whether you require this booster depends on the date of your last vaccination.
Our Clinics cannot administer post-exposure does of tetanus vaccine, if you are concerned that your may have a contaminated wound please clean the wound with soap and warm water and contact NHS 111 for advice, or go to A&E if the wound is more serious or the bleeding cannot be stopped. Our clinics are only able to administer the tetanus vaccination for travel or occupational health reasons.
About the vaccine
You should get your polio, diphtheria and tetanus booster two weeks before travel.
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.
How long does the Polio, Tetanus, and Diphtheria vaccine last? The vaccine protects you for 10 years. You will need a booster to remain protected after 10 years.
The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm.
You may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or feeling unwell.
We offer the vaccine for children from the age of 10.
Polio, tetanus and diphtheria are serious illnesses which can cause a range of complications. They can be fatal.
