YOUR ONE‑STOP VACCINATION CLINIC

Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine

YOUR ONE‑STOP VACCINATION CLINIC

Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medications. Private, same‑day appointments available at Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic.

Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccine

At Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic we provide vaccinations to protect you against three serious and potentially life-threatening diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

These infections are extremely rare in the UK thanks to effective vaccination programmes, but the risk remains in some parts of the world — particularly for travellers or adults whose last booster was many years ago.

Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01889 562 063

Email: info@balancepharmacy.co.uk

Uttoxeter | Staffordshire | ST14 8JG

Balance Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01889 562 063

Email: info@balancepharmacy.co.uk

Uttoxeter | Staffordshire | ST14 8JG

What Are These Diseases?

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and occasionally the skin. It spreads via close contact, coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces. Without treatment it can cause severe complications such as airway obstruction, damage to the heart and nerves, and can be fatal.

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria entering the body through wounds or cuts. It produces a toxin that leads to painful muscle stiffness, particularly in the jaw and neck, and can interfere with breathing. It is not spread from person to person. Vaccination is the best protection.

Polio

Polio is a viral infection that can invade the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis and even permanent disability. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) used in the UK protects against this virus without using live virus.

Why Is Vaccination Important?

Although diphtheria, tetanus and polio are now rare in the UK, these diseases still occur in other countries and can be severe or fatal. Vaccination:

  • Prevents serious disease and complications

  • Boosts immunity when previous protection has waned

  • Keeps communities safe by reducing spread

  • Is crucial for travel to regions where these diseases still exist

Use this map to identify areas of risk for travel

Call the clinic or send us an enquiry and our travel specialists will advise based on the latest guidance for your destination.

How the Vaccine Works

The combined vaccine given at our clinic contains components that train your immune system to recognise and fight off the bacteria or virus that cause diphtheria, tetanus and polio. It does not contain live disease-causing organisms, so it cannot give you diphtheria, tetanus or polio.

  • If you’ve previously completed your vaccination course, one booster dose is usually sufficient before travel or to renew protection. 

  • If you have never had a complete vaccination course, additional doses may be recommended. Your pharmacist will advise based on your history.

Boosters are typically repeated every 10 years to maintain protection.

As with all vaccines, you may experience:

  • Mild pain, swelling or redness at the injection site

  • Mild fever, headache or muscle aches

  • Temporary tiredness

Boosters are typically repeated every 10 years to maintain protection.

Who Should Get the Vaccine?

We offer the combined DTP (diptheria, tetanus & polio) vaccine to:

  • Adults and children needing protection before travel

  • Anyone whose last booster was more than 10 years ago

  • Individuals with incomplete childhood vaccination courses

  • Those at higher risk because of work, wounds, or immune status

Children in the UK also receive protection against these diseases as part of routine childhood vaccines (such as the 6-in-1 and teenage Td/IPV boosters).

Vaccination Pricing

Pricing includes private consultation and vaccine administration. Final fees may vary by clinic. Please ask our team for the latest price.

Vaccine No. of doses Price per dose Pricing per course
DTP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and polio) 1 £45 –

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.
**Children who have already been immunised with the NHS childhood vaccination programme are already protected.

Course Schedule

 

Standard schedule:

 Booster
Usually included in childhood vaccines 1 booster recommended if travelling to high-risk countries and no booster in last 10 years

We’re Waiting To Help You

Balance Pharmacy offers a wide range of travel vaccinations and tailored health advice. Contact us today to get you and your loved ones protected.

Quick appointments

Book quickly online or by phone — we aim to offer same‑day availability when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Personalised, professional travel advice based on your itinerary, medical history and latest guidance.

Competitive Pricing

Transparent prices and excellent value, without compromising on quality or care.

FAQs

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection affecting the throat and nose, occasionally the skin. It can produce a thick grey coating in the throat leading to breathing difficulties and may cause complications such as heart or nerve problems if untreated.

The infection spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated items. Maintaining up‑to‑date vaccination, practising good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are key preventive measures.

Symptoms usually appear within 2–5 days and include sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, and breathing difficulty. Skin infections may also occur.

After the primary series and booster, protection generally lasts around 10 years. Boosters are recommended every 10 years for continued travel protection.

The diphtheria vaccine is advised for travellers to areas where the disease still occurs — parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Combined tetanus/diphtheria (Td or Td/IPV) boosters are commonly used for travellers.

Side effects are usually mild and short‑lived, including redness or soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or tiredness. Severe reactions are extremely rare.

Book Your Travel Vaccination appointment today

You can walk in anytime during opening hours, or book an appointment online.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.