What should you know about polio and tetanus vaccine?

Polio is an infection that can injure the nervous system and cause weakness or paralysis. Tetanus occurs when bacteria from contaminated soil or objects enter a wound and produce a toxin that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms. Tetanus does not usually spread from person to person.

Combination vaccines may protect against polio, tetanus and other infections in one course. The schedule depends on your age, earlier doses, travel plans, wound type and health history. A booster may be advised when protection needs review.

Take your vaccination record to the appointment and mention pregnancy, immune-system problems, allergies, previous reactions and medicines. If you have a wound, clean it promptly with running water and seek clinical advice rather than relying on vaccination history alone.

A sore arm, mild tiredness or a low fever may follow vaccination. Rest and drink fluids. Follow the clinician’s advice about symptom relief, and keep the next-dose date where you can find it. Read more about [Tetanus Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/tetanus-vaccination/).

After vaccination, call emergency services for breathing difficulty, throat or facial swelling, fainting or a widespread rapidly developing rash. For a wound, seek urgent assessment if it is deep, heavily contaminated, caused by a bite or contains a foreign object.

Arrange medical review for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever or worsening pain around a wound. Difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing or breathing can be a sign of tetanus and requires emergency care.

Ask whether your record shows complete polio and tetanus protection, whether a booster is due, and whether a current wound changes the plan. Also ask which reactions are expected and when to seek help.