Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine in Longridge, Preston
The combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster, recommended for worldwide travel if your last dose was more than ten years ago.
Suitability is assessed before vaccination. Bring your vaccination records.
At a glance
Ask for advice 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, earlier if you can.
1 dose
A booster is recommended if your last dose was more than ten years ago.
Booster every 10 years
Previous doses, including combined vaccines, may change what you need.
Injection
What is diphtheria, tetanus and polio?
In the UK, diphtheria, tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine, so one booster covers all three at once. If your last dose was more than ten years ago, it is one of the quickest travel vaccinations to arrange: a single injection with no wait between doses.
Diphtheria usually starts as a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems, sometimes damaging the heart and nervous system; it spreads through coughing, sneezing and close contact, or through contact with infected skin sores where hygiene is poor. Tetanus is caused by germs found in soil and manure getting into the body through cuts, burns or wounds. It is not spread from person to person, but it is present worldwide, including in the UK. Polio attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis; it spreads mainly through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation, and remains a risk for unvaccinated travellers in a small number of countries.
Who should have the diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine?
A booster is recommended if your last dose was more than ten years ago, particularly if you are heading somewhere it might be difficult to get medical help quickly. Adventure travel, remote areas, and trips involving farm animals or outdoor activity all raise the chance of a dirty cut or wound along the way.
Who should consider a diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine?
Your pharmacist confirms what applies to you at your consultation.
For full information, visit the NHS and TravelHealthPro.
Understanding diphtheria, tetanus and polio: what you need to know
How the infection spreads and what to look out for, so vaccination sits alongside sensible precautions while you are away.
Key fact
One booster covers three infections: tetanus, from germs in soil and manure entering a wound; diphtheria, spread by coughing and close contact; and polio, spread through contaminated food and water where sanitation is poor.
Recognise the symptoms
Seek urgent medical attention abroad for any deep, dirty or animal-bite wound, and go to A&E if breathing becomes difficult or spasms develop.
Where the diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine is recommended
These are the destinations we publish guides for where this vaccine is commonly advised. Your itinerary decides what applies.
Costa Rica
India
Kenya
Malaysia
Mexico
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Thailand
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine course and timing
A booster is recommended if your last dose was more than ten years ago.
Book this vaccinationLeaving sooner?
It is still worth contacting us. Call with your travel dates so we can discuss what may be possible in the time available.
One booster injection
Most adults need a single dose to bring their protection back up to date. Bring your vaccination records if you have them.
Repeat booster
A further booster is recommended every ten years, especially before travel to places where medical help may be hard to reach.
For full information, visit the NHS and TravelHealthPro.
NHS or private diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccination?
Some travel vaccines are free through a GP surgery after a travel risk assessment. Check that route if it suits your dates, and tell us about anything already arranged so our advice takes it into account.
When the NHS is the right route
The combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster is free on the NHS as part of a GP travel risk assessment, where your surgery offers travel vaccinations.
Why book privately with us
Suitability and what to expect
Your appointment includes a check of your health and previous vaccines, so the product and schedule are right for you, including for children.
Tell us before your appointment
Your pharmacist will explain whether to vaccinate, adjust the timing or seek further advice. Do not stop prescribed medicines before an appointment.
After your vaccination
Soreness or swelling where the injection was given is common, and some people have a mild fever, headache, dizziness or feel sick for a day or two. Seek advice if any reaction is severe or persistent.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine cost
Prices are per dose. A follow-up dose is a separate vaccination, so plan for the full course when comparing costs. We confirm the price before anything is given.
£40
per doseDoses: 1 dose
Follow-up doses are separate vaccinations; the product, your previous doses and the assessment decide the course.
What travellers say about our clinic.
Clear advice, friendly pharmacists and appointments that fit around your plans. Here is what our travel customers have shared.
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine questions
Practical answers before you book. Anything specific to your trip is covered at your consultation.
Can I get this vaccine free on the NHS instead?
Sometimes, yes. Your GP can offer it as part of a travel risk assessment if you are heading somewhere it may be hard to get medical help quickly. We offer the same vaccine privately if you would rather have it alongside your other travel jabs in one appointment, or cannot get a timely GP appointment.
Why is this one vaccine rather than three separate ones?
In the UK, diphtheria, tetanus and polio are combined into a single injection, so a tetanus booster automatically covers diphtheria and polio too. There is no need for three separate appointments.
Do I need a GP referral for a private vaccination?
No. You can book directly with us for any of the vaccines on this page. Same-day appointments are usually available, and there is no waiting list.
How much do private vaccinations cost?
Individual vaccines range from £40 to £240, and the price includes your appointment with the pharmacist. Meningitis B is priced separately at £140 per dose (£280 for the two-dose course). Get in touch and we will confirm the exact price for the vaccine you need before you book.
Which vaccines can I get free on the NHS instead?
Several, but only for certain ages or groups. Shingles, for example, is free on the NHS from age 65, and whooping cough is offered in pregnancy. If you are not sure whether you already qualify, ask us when you get in touch and we will always tell you honestly rather than sell you something you could get free elsewhere.
Can children have these vaccines?
For suitable vaccines, yes. We will confirm what is appropriate for your child’s age at the appointment. Some services at the clinic, such as blood tests and ear wax removal, are 16 and over, but vaccination age depends on the specific jab.
Is the private vaccine the same as the NHS one?
Yes. We use the same vaccines used in the NHS programmes, for example Shingrix for shingles and the standard MMR vaccine. The difference is convenience and access, not the vaccine itself.
Do you vaccinate for travel?
Travel vaccines are handled separately because the advice depends on where you are going. See our travel health service for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and anti-malarial tablets.
How long does each vaccine last?
It varies by vaccine. MMR gives long-lasting protection after two doses; shingles protection is strong but not lifelong; flu is an annual jab. Our pharmacist will explain what to expect for the vaccine you are having.
Can I get more than one vaccine in the same visit?
Often yes, depending on the vaccines. Tell us what you are after when you book and we will advise whether they can be given together or need spacing out.
Other travel vaccinations
Most trips need more than one vaccine. Compare doses and prices across our full range, all given in clinic on Berry Lane.
View all travel vaccinationsSuitability, availability and the number of doses are confirmed at your consultation.
Your diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccination.
A clear next step.
Travel vaccination advice on Berry Lane, serving Longridge, Preston and the Ribble Valley.
Longridge Travel Health Clinic54 Berry Ln, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JPGet directions
Have these details to hand.
They help us arrange the right appointment for your trip.
Prefer to talk? Call 01772 439054.