Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccine Information

Diphtheria Vaccine Information

Diphtheria is an infection caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that causes a moderately sore throat. Sometimes the lining of the throat may swell to form "a false membrane" which can cause difficulties in breathing. Diphtheria is mainly spread by droplets expelled from the nose and mouth usually by breathing in diphtheria bacteria after an infected person has coughed, sneezed or even laughed. It can also be spread by handling used tissues or by drinking from a glass used by an infected person.

Nearly one out of every ten people who get diphtheria will die from it. Most cases occur among unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated people. However, whether or not the patient dies depends on the severity of the illness, their level of immunity and the speed with which treatment is started.

One of the regions where diphtheria is present is eastern Europe, including Russia and the former states of the Soviet Union. Cases of have occurred in Finland, Estonia, Poland and Belarus, Germany, Belgium and the UK.

Tetanus Vaccine Information

Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease which is caused by a bacterial infection, usually contracted through a small wound or scratch, from where the bacteria can enter the body and grow to produce a powerful toxin which circulates in the blood. Tetanus can quite easily be contracted through a small wound or scratch, from where the bacteria can enter the body and grow to produce a powerful toxin which circulates in the blood, causing muscular rigidity and painful muscle contractions. Death is usually caused by respiratory problems and exhaustion.

While vaccination has largely diminished the incidence of tetanus, the disease has not disappeared. Tetanus can be found all over the world and so every traveller should fully protect themselves against tetanus. Any type of injury from a simple laceration to a more serious wound can expose the individual to the spores. If individuals are not fully immunised there is always the risk of tetanus developing in wounds contaminated by soil.

Polio Vaccine Information

Poliomyelitis, most commonly referred to as polio and is caused by a virus which is primarily spread through faecal contamination of food and water, although it can also be spread by droplet transfer. A Polio infection of the gut can spread to the spinal cord or brain where it can cause paralysis.

Those travelling to areas of the world where polio still occurs. ie. Nigeria, Niger, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are particularly high risk. The World Health Organisation is making great efforts to encourage widespread use of polio vaccine in an attempt to eradicate polio from all the countries of the world. However, until the disease is certified as eradicated, the risk of acquiring it remains.

Combined Vaccination

A single vaccine is available for travellers to provide protection against diphtheria, tetanus and Polio. Immunisation is highly protective and adults and children should ensure they are fully up to date with their vaccination program. UK children are generally immunised within their first year.

Past immunisation from polio does not always give complete protection as there are three strains of the virus and so travellers should ensure they are up to date with their polio immunisation. To ensure further protection try to avoid crowded places in high risk areas as much as possible.

Boosters are required every 10 years for travellers and those at risk.