The diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccination helps to prevent you from getting infected with said diseases. The immunisation is a booster injection that provides instant protection against the three conditions with just one dosage. Keep reading to learn more about the tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine in Exeter.
How long does the tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine in Exeter last?
The tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccine provides instant protection and lasts ten years. After that, you’ll need another booster to stay safe. Because diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccinations given to children are all different, the amount of time between doses varies.
Diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccinations are required by law in the United Kingdom. Most people in the United Kingdom receive the vaccines as part of the National Childhood Vaccination Programme.
In the United Kingdom, the standard immunisation regimen now includes 5 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccinations. The doses are administered to your child when they are:
– 8 weeks old
– 12 weeks old
– 16 weeks old
– 3 years and 4 months old
– 14 years old
The first three doses are included in the 6-in-1 vaccine, the 4th dose is included in the 4-in-1 pre-school booster, and the final dosage is included in the three-in-one teen booster.
If you’re not sure which vaccines you’ve had before, you can get in touch or visit us for help. Additional boosters are required if you wish to maintain your protection against the infections or if you are at a higher risk of contracting one of them, such as when travelling.
What are the side effects of the tetanus, polio & diphtheria jab?
The diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccine, like all drugs and vaccines, can produce side effects. However, most people don’t experience any of them.
If you do encounter adverse effects from the tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccine, they are unlikely to be significant.
Mild side effects of the vaccine affect less than 1 in 10 people. Here are a few of them:
– Pain, redness and swelling around the injection site
– Dizziness
– Nausea and vomiting
– Headache
– Fever
Fewer than one in every 100 people have the following side effects:
– Swollen glands
– General discomfort
– Joint pains
– Muscle pain
If you get dizzy after getting the diphtheria, tetanus, or polio vaccine, don’t drive or run heavy machinery unless you feel better.
If your side effects don’t improve or worsen, you should consult your pharmacist.
Who should get the tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine in Exeter?
If you are travelling to a part of the world where these diseases present a high danger, it’s recommended that you get the diphtheria, tetanus, and polio vaccine. Check if the country you’re visiting has a significant infection risk before you travel.
Furthermore, because diphtheria, tetanus, and polio are common diseases, you may need the vaccination if you haven’t received a booster in the past ten years.
Despite the fact that the vaccine is advised for the majority of those travelling to high-risk locations, there are some exceptions. You should get medical advice as to whether the vaccine is good for you, if you:
– Are allergic to the vaccine’s ingredients
– Have experienced an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past
– Have a serious infection with a high fever
– Suffer from a blood disorder that causes you to bruise easily
– Have a weakened immune system, such as as a result of HIV
– Are undergoing chemo, radiation, or steroid treatment
– Received a comparable vaccine within the previous five years
– Are expecting a child or are breastfeeding
– Intend to have a baby
You can speak with one of our pharmacists for a personalised assessment to see if you need the diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine before you travel.
It’s also important to get the Hepatitis B vaccine before travelling to your preferred destination. Check out more about the Hepatitis B vaccine in our previous blog post here:
Is it possible to contract polio from the polio component of this vaccine?
The polio booster vaccine for teenagers contains inactivated (dead) polio virus that cannot cause polio.
How many boosters will I need?
Throughout your childhood, you will need 5 doses of the vaccines. This will help to build and maintain your body’s natural immunity to certain infections, as well as protect you against these diseases.
The 6-in-1 vaccine gives you the first three shots when you’re a baby. The fourth dosage of the 4-in-1 vaccine is given around the age of three as a pre-school booster, and the fifth and last dose is the teenage three-in-one- booster administered at the age of fourteen (school year 9).
You’ll only need an extra booster if you’re travelling to particular countries or if you’ve had a specific type of injury.
Book your appointment with Luxtons Pharmacy today to get your travel vaccines.
This blog post was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.