DTP Vaccination
The diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccination (DTP) is administered via one injection unless you have not had the initial vaccine as a child. One booster jab can be given every 10 years. These illnesses do not have individual vaccines and are combined into one dose. It is advised to have your vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to travelling.
When to get vaccinated
It's important to have your vaccination 2-4 weeks before your trip. It’s advised to book to have your vaccine 8 weeks in advance.
How it is given
DTP is given to adults by one injection in the upper arm.
Children
The vaccine is suitable for children aged six and over.
Risks if you contract diphtheria, tetanus or polio
Diphtheria: Diphtheria can result in a sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes. A patch may appear in the throat which can obstruct breathing. If untreated, diphtheria can lead to inflammation of the heart, nerve damage and respiratory failure. It can be fatal.
Tetanus: Symptoms include muscle stiffness and spasms commonly in the jaw, neck and abdomen. Complications include prolonged muscle spasms, seizures, fractures from muscle contraction and difficulties with breathing. The mortality rate can be high, especially in untreated or severe cases.
Polio: Polio can be symptomless. However, it can lead to flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal issues and in severe cases, muscle weakness, respiratory failure and paralysis as well as post-polio syndrome.
Course
Adults receive one injection, provided they had their immunisation in childhood.
Side effects
Short-term side effects may include a sore arm, dizziness, low fever and tiredness. Severe side effects are rare.
Additional precautions
As well as immunisation, it’s vital to ensure food, hand and water hygiene in high-risk areas. Avoiding unpasteurised dairy products and street food in areas where Polio is present may help. Properly clean any wounds to reduce infection and the risk of Tetanus.
Before the appointment
Ensure you are not allergic to the ingredients, check if you have had the vaccine before and make sure you don’t have a high temperature on the vaccination day.
What is Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio?
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection and can be fatal in approximately 30% of cases (source: World Health Organization). According to the CDC, a complete vaccine series shows 97% effectiveness.
Diphtheria typically results in severe throat inflammation and can lead to breathing difficulties, heart issues and in severe cases, death. While rare in countries with routine vaccination, like the UK, diphtheria remains a significant health threat in certain destinations worldwide.
Diphtheria is primarily spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person and via contaminated surfaces. Travellers can contract diphtheria and bring it back home, contributing to outbreaks in their home country. In the UK the risk of contracting diphtheria is diminished thanks to vaccination programmes.
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani commonly found in soils, dust and animal faeces. Once spores enter the body through wounds or cuts they produce a toxin that leads to muscle stiffness and spasms, often in the jaw and neck. In 2018 approximately 25,000 babies died from neonatal tetanus (source: World Health Organization).
When travelling the risk of contracting tetanus significantly increases in areas with less access to vaccination and healthcare. Travellers may come across situations where they sustain injuries and without immediate medical attention they could risk serious illness.
The UK has a full vaccination programme, which includes tetanus immunisation. Most adults are encouraged to receive booster shots every ten years. Such measures have made tetanus extremely rare in the UK with prompt medical care available for any infections.
Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children under 5 and can lead to paralysis or death. 0.50% of cases result in irreversible paralysis and of those paralysed, 5–10% of patients die (source: World Health Organization).
Transmitted through contaminated water or food, polio can remain dormant in an infected person and be passed on. This poses risks in regions with inadequate sanitation.
When travelling to certain areas of the world there is a higher risk of contracting polio. Health authorities recommend that travellers to at-risk regions ensure they are fully vaccinated and may need a booster.
The UK is considered safe from polio due to immunisation programmes. The majority of the population has been vaccinated during childhood leading to herd immunity. Awareness and proactive measures not only protect travellers but also help to reduce the risk of reintroducing the virus to the UK.
