DTP – Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio
What is the DTP Vaccine?
The DTP vaccine protects against:
- Diphtheria: a throat infection causing breathing problems and heart/nerve damage
- Tetanus: severe muscle spasms from bacteria entering cuts or wounds
- Pertussis (whooping cough): a contagious infection causing severe coughing fits
How are They Spread?
- Diphtheria & Pertussis: through coughs, sneezes, and close contact
- Tetanus: through dirty wounds or cuts (not person to person)
Who is at Risk?
- Babies, young children, and unvaccinated people
- Travellers to high-risk areas
- Those with dirty or deep wounds (tetanus risk)
- Healthcare and childcare workers
Signs and Symptoms:
- Diphtheria: sore throat, fever, thick grey throat coating
- Tetanus: stiff jaw, painful muscle spasms
- Pertussis: severe coughing, whooping sound, vomiting after coughing
When to Consider Vaccination:
- Routine childhood immunisation
- Before travelling to higher-risk areas
- After certain injuries (for a tetanus booster)
- Boosters every 10 years if at risk
The Vaccine:
- Part of the routine childhood schedule (6-in-1, 4-in-1 booster)
- Td/IPV booster for adults/travellers
- Safe and effective with mild side effects (sore arm, low-grade fever)
Do
- Check if you need a booster dose before travelling, especially if it’s been over 10 years
- Seek immediate care if injured abroad, especially with cuts or wounds in unclean environments
- Carry proof of vaccination when travelling to countries that require it
Do not
- Assume childhood vaccination gives lifelong protection
- Ignore deep cuts or dirty wounds — tetanus can be life-threatening
- Forget to check polio vaccination requirements for high-risk destinations