Diphtheria Polio Tetanus Booster

Vaccine Category Age Group Price
Diphtheria, Polio & Tetanus Booster Revaxis® (Inactivated viral and toxoid) Can be used from 10 years of age (see UK schedule) £30.00
Booster All of the Above

How is the vaccine administered to Travellers?

If you have had your vaccine more than 10 years ago you should have a booster.

Booster

Boost at 5 yrs then10 years later

AREAS HIGHLY AFFECTED

Diphtheria is one of the most feared childhood disease with shocking outbreaks. Diphtheria is found worldwide. It's common in parts of the world where diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) immunisation is poorly covered.
Polio is highly infectious and mainly affect children under 5 Years old. It leads to irreversible paralysis and can be contracted by children around the world.
Tetanus exist anywhere in the world. It's in the soil and in animal, and easily spreads in ant surface.

SIDE EFFECTS

  • Headaches
  • Respiratory tract infection
  • Blocked nose
  • Sore throat
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fever

WHO MUST NOT TAKE THIS VACCINATION

  • If the person getting the vaccine has any severe, life-threatening allergies.

FACTS – Did You Know that?

  • Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that usually affects the tonsils, throat, nose and/or skin.
  • It is usually spread from person to person by breathing in droplets that contain diphtheria bacteria.
  • Also be spread by contact with items such as drinking glasses and soiled tissues.
  • Untreated diphtheria can occasionally result in heart failure, paralysis or death.
  • You cannot get diphtheria from the vaccine.

What is Diphtheria?

Description

Diphtheria is a highly infectious disease that affects the throat and upper airways. It is a disease that is found worldwide and hence vaccination is highly recommended to ensure rates of infection are kept low. Due to a reduced rate of immunisation in certain regions such as the Indian Subcontinent, Central and South East Asia, South America and Africa, Diphtheria unfortunately is still common in many countries.

Transmission

Diphtheria is usually transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Diphtheria is a serious illness that essentially targets the respiratory system, so any symptoms are related to this part of the body.

Symptoms

Diphtheria as an incubation period of 2-5 days and the symptoms that persist are most likely difficulty of breathing/swallowing, sore throats, headaches, chills, fever, and enlarged glands in the neck, a heavy cough, bluish colouration of the skin and rapid/shallow breathing.

Treatment

Early administration of the Diphtheria antitoxin is vital in order to reduce risk of fatality. Antibiotics also play a big role. Intensive care support is needed to treat patients suffering from Diphtheria.

Prevention

There is a highly effective vaccination available against Diphtheria, which is included in childhood immunisations programmes of most countries.

What is Polio?

Description

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that most commonly affects young children. Polio is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan however there are rare outbreaks due to the disease being imported or if the virus from the vaccine turns to the infectious type.

Transmission

Polio is transmitted through contact from person to person and contaminated food and water.

Symptoms

Polio has an incubation period of up to 20 days, before symptoms begin to show. Earlier symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, fatigue, chest pains, and stiffness usually in the neck. In extreme cases paralyse is observed, normally in the legs. Due to such severe paralysis, many can be killed by the respiratory muscles becoming immobilised.

Treatment

Currently there is no cure for Polio, therefore treatment focuses on supporting normal body functions whilst trying to reduce the risk of the longer term complications. This is done whilst the body is fighting off the Polio infection.
Treatment involves hospital bed rest, pain relief medication as well as breathing support and regular exercising along with stretching in order to prevent muscular and joint issues.
If a Polio sufferer is left with long term problems, they will most probably need ongoing treatment along with support which may include physiotherapy to help with movement complications, potentially splints and/or braces to support weak joints and limbs, therapy in order to help adapt to any difficulties that may have risen due to the infection and lastly surgery to treat deformities.

Prevention

Prevention of Polio is ensured by vaccination

What is Tetanus?

Description

Tetanus is a life threatening bacterial infection that is found in the environment all around the world.

Transmission

The bacteria that causes Tetanus enters through open cuts and wounds. Tetanus has an incubation period of 4 to 21 before symptoms present themselves. Earlier symptoms include a lock jaw, severe stiffness particularly in the mandibular muscle making it hard to open your mouth. Later symptoms include spasms that spread through the neck and limbs.

Symptoms

These symptoms will last for up to 3 days. Difficulty in breathing and suffocation is common among sufferers.

Treatment

Treatment involves a tetanus immunoglobulin and wound care as well as Intensive Medical Care.

Prevention

Vaccination against tetanus is the only way of prevention as it is not possible to eradicate the bacteria from the environment.