What should you know about diphtheria tetanus and polio?

Diphtheria can create a coating in the throat and release a toxin that affects breathing, the heart or nerves. Tetanus produces muscle stiffness and painful spasms after toxin-producing bacteria enter through a wound. Polio can infect the nervous system and may cause weakness or paralysis. These illnesses have different routes of transmission and symptoms, but vaccination helps the immune system recognise them.

A combined vaccine does not treat an active infection. Protection can lessen over time, and schedules vary with age, previous doses, travel plans and local recommendations. A sore throat is not specific to diphtheria and should be assessed according to the full clinical picture.

Check the immunisation record with a healthcare professional and ask whether any routine or booster doses are due. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, immune conditions, previous vaccine reactions and current illness. If someone has a deep or dirty wound, seek advice promptly because tetanus prevention may need to be considered separately from routine vaccination. Childhood Immunisation offers related guidance.

Seek urgent help for difficult breathing, inability to swallow, blue lips, new facial or limb weakness, severe muscle spasms, confusion or a rapidly worsening wound. Vaccination cannot replace emergency assessment of a suspected infection. For a possible diphtheria exposure, contact a healthcare service promptly and follow advice about testing, treatment and avoiding close contact.

Ask which combined vaccine is appropriate, whether your record is complete, when a booster is due, and what protection is recommended after an injury or before travel.