Diphtheria Tetanus Polio (DTP)
Before traveling, it's important to make sure you are up-to-date on your Diphtheria Tetanus Polio vaccination to protect yourself and others from these preventable diseases.
What is it?
The combined injection protects against three different diseases. Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease that is caused by toxins produced by bacteria found in soil worldwide. Polio is a potentially paralyzing, vaccine preventable viral infection that is transmitted through food or water contaminated by human faeces or direct contact with an infected person. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is spread by exhaled water droplets, especially when in close contact with local population of endemic countries.
Risk areas
Tetanus is found worldwide but is generally more common in countries with poor vaccination coverage. Polio is now only endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan but it can be imported to other countries by infected individuals. Diphtheria can be found worldwide but is more common in developing countries where vaccination coverage is not as widespread.
Length of protection
10 years.
Vaccine Schedule
Travellers should have completed or be up-to-date with a primary vaccination course according to the NHS vaccination schedule.
Diphtheria Tetanus Polio (Revaxis)
- Schedule
- Single dose booster (if completed primary vaccination course) *
* The primary course of diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP) is part of the standard UK childhood immunisation programme. If you have received the primary course, you may need a booster of one dose. If you have not received a primary course previously, you may require a course of three vaccinations.