Diphtheria, tetanus
& polio booster.
If it has been more than 10 years since your last booster, or you’re unsure of your vaccination history, one injection can restore your protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio, whether you need just one of these, or a fuller combination. It’s a common recommendation before travel to areas where these diseases remain more common, or where medical care may be harder to reach. Available with our GPhC-registered pharmacist, no GP referral needed.
One injection, matched to what you need.
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio are three separate diseases with very different causes. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can affect the throat and breathing. Tetanus is caused by bacteria entering the body through a wound, often from soil or rust, and affects the nervous system. Polio is a viral infection that can, in rare cases, cause paralysis. Most people in the UK are protected against all three through the routine NHS childhood schedule, but that protection can fade over time.
We offer a small number of vaccine formulations covering these three diseases in different combinations, some protecting against tetanus alone, others combining tetanus with diphtheria, and others combining all three including polio. Which one is most appropriate depends on your vaccination history and what protection you specifically need, for example a straightforward tetanus booster after a wound, versus a fuller combined booster before travel. Whichever combination applies to you, it’s given as a single injection at your appointment.
Is this booster right for you?
Protection against these diseases gradually reduces over time, so periodic boosting is standard practice before higher-risk travel.
If you can’t confirm when you last had a booster, having one now is a simple way to be sure you’re covered.
Including areas with lower vaccination coverage or limited access to medical care, where the fuller combination including polio may be recommended.
Sometimes only tetanus protection is needed, for example following an injury, rather than the fuller travel combination. Your pharmacist will confirm what’s appropriate.
Certain destinations may ask for evidence of recent polio vaccination for longer stays, which needs the combination that includes polio. Your pharmacist will confirm if this applies.
Full price list available on this page ↓. Prices subject to change, please confirm at the clinic.
How your booster appointment works.
Quick review of your history and needs
Your pharmacist checks when you last had a diphtheria, tetanus or polio vaccine, discusses your travel plans or reason for needing protection, and confirms which combination is right for you.
Single injection
One dose, given into the upper arm, using whichever formulation covers what you need, whether that’s tetanus alone, tetanus with diphtheria, or all three including polio.
Ideally at least 2 weeks before travel
This allows time for full protection to develop, though the booster can still be worthwhile closer to departure.
Record kept for future reference
Your booster date is kept on file in your Halaxy account, so it’s easy to check when your next one may be due.
Book your booster.
Same-day and same-week appointments often available. Can usually be given alongside your other travel vaccines in one visit.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat & Sun 9am–5pm (private services only)
Call us
113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG · GPhC Registered
Book — Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Booster
Veritas Pharmacy · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland SR4 7HG
Diphtheria, tetanus & polio booster price.
A single injection, whichever combination of the three you need. Prices are subject to change, please confirm at the clinic before booking.
| Vaccine | Course | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio – formulation tailored to your needs | 1 dose | £38.00 |
Diphtheria, tetanus & polio booster FAQs.
Does this always cover all three diseases in one injection?
Do I need this booster for every trip?
How many doses do I need?
How soon before travel should I have this?
Do some countries need proof of polio vaccination specifically?
Are there any side effects?
Can I have this alongside other travel vaccines?
Related vaccines and services.
Typhoid Vaccine
A common recommendation alongside a routine booster for many of the same destinations.
Learn more →Hepatitis A Vaccine
Another frequently co-administered travel vaccine, for food and water hygiene risk.
Learn more →All Travel Vaccinations
See every destination and vaccine we cover as part of our full pre-travel health service.
Learn more →