Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis vaccine

Diphtheria can affect the throat and produce toxins; tetanus can cause severe muscle stiffness after bacteria enter a wound; poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can affect the nervous system. One combined injection helps the immune system prepare for all three, reducing the need for separate appointments.

The product may be offered as part of childhood immunisation or later as a booster, depending on the national schedule and the person's record. Vaccine choice can also depend on age, pregnancy, health conditions and previous reactions.

Take the immunisation record to the appointment and describe any serious allergy, previous vaccine reaction, current illness, pregnancy or treatment that affects immunity. Do not delay reporting a missing record; the clinician can explain a catch-up approach. Wear clothing that allows the upper arm to be reached easily and remain for the observation period recommended by the service.

Arm tenderness, mild swelling, tiredness or a brief fever may follow. Fluids, rest and the vaccinator's aftercare instructions are usually sufficient for mild symptoms. See Childhood Immunisation for routine programme information.

Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, collapse or rapidly spreading hives after vaccination. Seek prompt review if a fever persists, the injection site becomes progressively more painful, or you develop symptoms that concern you. A severe sore throat with swallowing or breathing difficulty requires urgent care; see Sore Throat.

Ask which formulation is being offered, which previous doses it counts toward, whether any booster is expected later, and how your medical history affects timing. Confirm where to call if a reaction develops after leaving the clinic.