A single booster injection keeps you protected against three serious diseases. Available same day at both our Chislehurst locations — no referral needed, no long waits.
The DTP vaccine is a combined booster protecting against three serious bacterial and viral diseases — diphtheria, tetanus and polio. In the UK, the adult booster (known as Td/IPV or Revaxis) is given as a single injection and provides up to ten years of protection.
Most UK adults received their childhood DTP vaccinations as part of the routine immunisation schedule. However, immunity can wane over time. If your last booster was more than ten years ago — or you are travelling to areas where these diseases remain a risk — a single booster dose is recommended.
The three diseases this vaccine protects against are caused by different organisms and spread in different ways, but all can cause serious, life-threatening illness in unvaccinated adults.
Diphtheria is a highly infectious bacterial infection of the throat that can block the airway and release toxins damaging the heart and nervous system. It spreads through coughing and sneezing and remains a risk in parts of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Indian subcontinent.
Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil and animal manure worldwide. It enters the body through cuts, wounds and burns and releases toxins that cause severe, painful muscle spasms. If untreated, tetanus can be fatal. It is not contagious but the risk is ever-present — particularly in rural areas and destinations with limited medical facilities.
Polio is a viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis. While largely eliminated in the UK, it remains present in parts of South Asia and Africa, and vaccination is essential for travel to affected regions.
| Diphtheria | Tetanus | Polio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Bacterial infection | Bacterial toxin | Viral infection |
| How it spreads | Coughing, sneezing, close contact | Contaminated soil entering wounds | Person-to-person, contaminated water |
| Main symptoms | Sore throat, airway blockage, grey membrane, fever | Painful muscle spasms, jaw stiffness, breathing difficulty | Muscle weakness, paralysis |
| Serious complications | Heart damage, nerve damage, death | Respiratory failure, death | Permanent paralysis, death |
| Risk regions | Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Indian subcontinent | Worldwide — higher risk in rural areas with limited healthcare | South Asia, parts of Africa |
| Protection from booster | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Three groups who benefit most from a DTP booster. Our pharmacist will review your vaccination history during consultation.
A tetanus booster is recommended by NaTHNaC if your last dose was more than ten years ago and you are visiting countries where medical facilities may be limited — particularly if you may be at risk of injury in remote or rural areas. Diphtheria protection is especially important for travel to parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe where vaccine coverage is low. Polio booster is recommended for travel to countries where polio transmission is ongoing, including parts of South Asia and Africa.
Adults working in healthcare, emergency services, construction, agriculture, veterinary work or any role involving regular exposure to soil, animals or potential wound injury may benefit from keeping their tetanus protection current. Those travelling overseas for work in areas with limited healthcare should ensure their full DTP booster is up to date before departure.
If you have no record of completing your five-dose childhood DTP course, or if more than ten years have passed since your last booster, a single dose will restore your protection. Our pharmacist will review your vaccination history during your consultation and advise accordingly.
