Tetanus

Diphtheria Tetanus Polio (DTP) vaccine​

The vaccine for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio is a combination vaccine. Immunity does diminish with time. Consequently, booster doses of the vaccines may be required with time. In the United Kingdom, separate vaccinations against the diseases are unavailable.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium bacteria, which produce a toxin (poison). It is the poison that can cause illness in humans.

When an infected person sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets carry the bacteria from person to person. The disease can also be transmitted by touching a surface contaminated with infected respiratory secretions or by touching infected skin lesions (sores or ulcers), clothing, or bed linens.

It is rare in the UK. In regions of Africa, South America, Eastern Europe, Russia, Central and South East Asia where vaccination rates are poor, the illness remains a major concern.

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a dangerous disease caused by soil-based bacteria that enters the body through a cut or wound.

The bacterium can enter the body via:

• Burns
• cuts and grazes, particularly those caused by contaminated or rusty objects
• from certain animal bites (such as those from farm animals)
• medical procedures such as body piercing, tattooing, and injections if the equipment isn't clean,
• injecting contaminated drugs

Tetanus is found worldwide. Bacteria can survive outside the body for an extended period of time and are usually found in soil, animal excrement such as that of cows and horses, and on the surfaces of rusty objects such as nails, needles, and barbed wire.

What is Polio?

The poliovirus causes the infectious disease polio. It can infect the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Poliovirus affects only humans and is highly infectious.

The virus resides in the throat and intestines of an infected individual. It enters the body via the mouth and then spreads to:

• Contact with the faeces of an infected individual
• droplets from the cough or sneezes of an infected person.

In areas with poor sanitation and personal hygiene, faeces from an infected individual can sometimes contaminate food and drink. This can spread the virus.