5 Facts About Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (Td/IPV) Vaccine

Depending on your age this vaccine maybe offered in school or by your GP practice.

All year 9’s from September 2015 will be offered the 3-in-1 teenage booster vaccination which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio at school. This is all in one injection in the upper arm, don’t worry it’s quick!

For more information have a look at Immunisation In Secondary Schools.

Tetanus, diphtheria and polio are rarely found in the UK due to our successful immunisation programme. These diseases do exist in other parts of the world where vaccinations may not be easily accessible. We have to keep levels of vaccination high to make sure diseases don’t return.

You should have had your first immunisations against these diseases before you started school. It’s now important to have another dose to increase your protection, now and as you get older.

Tetanus is a serious but rare infection caused by bacteria. It usually occurs when a wound becomes infected and you can become seriously ill. The bacteria are found in the soil and manure and can get into your body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus is a disease that cannot be passed from person to person.

Diphtheria is highly infectious. The diphtheria bacteria spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets of their saliva enters into another person’s mouth or nose. This is a very rare illness in this country because of our super immunisation programme.

Polio was very common in the past – affecting children worldwide, causing paralysis and death. Our wonderful immunisation programme has helped to eliminate polio in this country and in most countries across the world.