Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

Zavis

Diphtheria tetanus vaccine schedule: what to know

How the structures involved in Diphtheria differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Diphtheria differ from normal

Short answer

Diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are given in a series, with timing adjusted for age, previous doses and local immunisation guidance.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Schedule
Depends on age and documented previous doses
Missed dose
Ask for a catch-up plan rather than restarting independently
Protection
Helps prevent toxin-related disease

What the schedule means

The vaccine trains the immune system to recognise toxins linked with diphtheria and tetanus. Children commonly receive combination vaccines during routine childhood immunisation. Older children and adults may need booster doses or a catch-up plan when records are incomplete. A delayed dose does not usually mean the whole series must start again; a clinician can review the documented history and plan the next dose.

What to do next

Take the vaccination record to a GP or immunisation clinic. Tell the clinician about previous reactions, pregnancy, immune problems and medicines that affect immunity. Keep appointments for the dates given, and ask what to do if one is missed. Mild soreness, tiredness or a low fever can occur after vaccination. Rest, fluids and advice from the healthcare professional may help. Vaccination does not treat an existing throat infection; seek assessment for a persistent or severe sore throat.

When to seek care

Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, rapidly increasing neck or throat swelling, fainting, or a severe allergic reaction after vaccination. Contact a clinician promptly for a new grey coating in the throat, marked weakness or symptoms after close contact with someone diagnosed with diphtheria.

Questions for your doctor

Ask which doses are recorded, which dose is due next, whether a catch-up schedule is needed, and which symptoms after vaccination should prompt a call.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

What if a vaccine dose was missed?

Bring any available record to a clinician. They can use the dates of earlier doses to arrange the next appropriate dose.

Can this vaccine cause a sore throat?

A sore throat is not a typical reason to delay assessment. Persistent or severe throat symptoms should be discussed with a clinician.

Related

Related reading

Keep reading

More on this

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.