Are you planning an international trip? Whether you’re heading to Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, or Eastern Europe, one travel vaccine you should never overlook is the DTP vaccine. It protects against three serious, potentially life-threatening diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio.
At Chertsey Pharmacy, we offer fast, convenient DTP vaccine appointments for travellers of all ages. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before you travel.
What Is the DTP Vaccine?
The DTP vaccine is a combination vaccination that protects against three separate bacterial and viral infections:
- Diphtheria – a bacterial infection that causes a thick coating in the throat, making it hard to breathe
- Tetanus – a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms, often called “lockjaw”
- Polio – a viral infection that can cause permanent paralysis and, in some cases, death
These three diseases are preventable with vaccination. Yet they still exist in many parts of the world, especially in countries with lower vaccination coverage. Travelling without adequate protection puts you at genuine risk.
The DTP vaccine is sometimes referred to as the Td/IPV vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Inactivated Polio Vaccine), which is the standard booster form used for adults and older children in the UK.
Why Do Travellers Need the DTP Vaccine?
Many people received DTP vaccinations as children as part of the NHS routine immunisation schedule. However, immunity can fade over time, and booster doses are recommended, particularly for travel to higher-risk regions.
Diphtheria Risk for Travellers
Diphtheria spreads through close contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets or skin contact. It remains endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Outbreaks have been reported in countries that travellers commonly visit.
If you are travelling to areas where diphtheria is still circulating and your last vaccination was more than 10 years ago, a booster is strongly advised.
Tetanus Risk for Travellers
Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and animal faeces. You do not catch it from another person. Instead, it enters the body through a wound, cut, or scratch, making it a risk wherever you are in the world.
Travellers who plan to do outdoor activities, hiking, adventure sports, or who may be in areas with limited medical facilities are at higher risk. A tetanus booster is recommended if you have not had one in the last 10 years.
Polio Risk for Travellers
Polio is not yet fully eradicated worldwide. Countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Africa still report cases. In recent years, cases linked to oral polio vaccine-derived strains have also emerged in other countries, including in Europe and parts of Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and travel health authorities continue to recommend polio vaccination for travellers visiting affected areas. Some countries now require proof of polio vaccination as a condition of entry.
Who Should Get the DTP Vaccine Before Travel?
The DTP vaccine is recommended for:
- Adults who have not had a booster in the past 10 years
- Travellers visiting countries with active diphtheria, tetanus, or polio risk
- Healthcare workers and aid workers travelling to high-risk regions
- Travellers who may be in contact with soil or animals in rural or remote areas
- People who did not complete their childhood vaccination schedule
- Travellers visiting countries that require proof of polio vaccination for entry
Children travelling internationally should also have their vaccinations reviewed. If they have not completed the routine NHS schedule, missing doses should be caught up before travel.
Countries Where the DTP Vaccine Is Recommended
The following regions carry a higher risk and are commonly flagged by UK travel health guidelines:
Africa: Nigeria, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other sub-Saharan countries where polio and diphtheria cases have been reported.
South Asia: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and neighbouring countries remain high-risk for polio. Diphtheria cases have also been documented.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Ukraine, Russia, and several Central Asian countries have seen diphtheria outbreaks in recent decades.
Southeast Asia: Several countries carry lower but non-negligible risk, particularly for travellers venturing into rural or remote areas with limited healthcare access.
Always check the latest country-specific travel health advice from NHS Fitfortravel or the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) before booking your vaccines.
How Does the DTP Vaccine Work?
The DTP vaccine contains either inactivated toxins (for diphtheria and tetanus) or inactivated virus (for polio). When injected, your immune system recognises these as foreign and builds a defence. If you are later exposed to the actual infection, your immune system can respond quickly and prevent serious illness.
The DTP vaccine does not contain live organisms, so it cannot give you the diseases it protects against.
What to Expect When You Get the DTP Vaccine
- The vaccine is given as a single injection, usually in the upper arm
- The process takes just a few minutes
- Most people experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, mild redness, or a low-grade temperature
- Serious side effects are very rare
- You are protected within a short time after the injection
DTP Vaccine Schedule and Booster Timing
In the UK, children receive the DTP vaccine as part of the NHS routine schedule at:
- 8 weeks old
- 12 weeks old
- 16 weeks old
- 3 years and 4 months old (pre-school booster)
- 14 years old (teenage booster)
If you completed the full NHS childhood schedule, your immunity may be sufficient. However, for travellers visiting high-risk areas, a booster dose is recommended if your last dose was more than 10 years ago.
If you did not complete the full schedule as a child, a catch-up schedule can be arranged at Chertsey Pharmacy or with your GP.
How Long Does the DTP Vaccine Last?
Protection from the DTP vaccine does not last forever:
- Tetanus: Boosters are recommended every 10 years, or after a wound injury if your last dose was more than 5 years ago
- Diphtheria: Boosters are typically given alongside tetanus, every 10 years for high-risk travellers
- Polio: A booster is recommended for travel to high-risk areas if your last dose was more than 10 years ago. Some countries require documented evidence of a polio booster within the last 12 months
Can You Get the DTP Vaccine and Other Travel Vaccines Together?
Yes. The DTP vaccine can typically be given at the same time as other travel vaccines, including:
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (subject to eligibility)
- Meningitis ACWY
- Japanese Encephalitis
At Chertsey Pharmacy, our trained pharmacist can review your full travel itinerary and health history to recommend the right combination of travel vaccines for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DTP Vaccine
What does DTP stand for?
DTP stands for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. These are three separate diseases prevented by a single combination vaccine.
Do I need a DTP vaccine booster as an adult?
Yes, if you are travelling to a high-risk country and your last DTP booster was more than 10 years ago, a booster is recommended. Some countries also require proof of recent polio vaccination as a condition of entry.
How long before travel should I get the DTP vaccine?
You should ideally get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date. However, you can still benefit from the vaccine closer to your travel date. Book an appointment at Chertsey Pharmacy as early as possible.
Is the DTP vaccine safe during pregnancy?
The tetanus and diphtheria components of the vaccine are considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always speak to your midwife, GP, or a qualified travel health professional before receiving any vaccine while pregnant.
Can children get the DTP vaccine for travel?
Yes. Children who have not completed their routine NHS vaccinations should catch up before travel. A travel health appointment can confirm which doses are still needed.
Is the DTP vaccine the same as the DTaP vaccine?
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis) is the version used in the primary childhood schedule and also includes Whooping Cough (Pertussis). The Td/IPV version used for adult boosters covers Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio only, without Pertussis, unless indicated.
Do I need the DTP vaccine if I am only travelling to Europe?
Most Western European countries have high vaccination coverage and low risk. However, some Eastern European countries still have higher rates of diphtheria, and polio cases linked to vaccine-derived strains have emerged in Europe. Check country-specific advice before travelling.
Where can I get the DTP vaccine near me in Surrey?
You can get the DTP vaccine at Chertsey Pharmacy, which offers travel vaccination consultations for individuals and families in Surrey and the surrounding areas.
Local Travel Vaccination Clinic in Surrey
If you are based in Surrey or the surrounding areas, Chertsey Pharmacy is your local travel health destination. Our pharmacist is trained in travel medicine and can:
- Review your vaccination history
- Assess your travel destination risk
- Administer the DTP vaccine and other recommended travel vaccines
- Provide documentation for countries that require proof of vaccination
No need for a GP referral. Simply book an appointment or walk in during our opening hours.
Book Your DTP Vaccine at Chertsey Pharmacy
Do not leave your health to chance. Whether you are travelling for business, adventure, or visiting family abroad, the DTP vaccine is a simple step that could protect you from serious illness.
Book your travel vaccination appointment at Chertsey Pharmacy today.
