Travel vaccine

Diphtheria Vaccine

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection spread by close contact. It's uncommon where vaccination is widespread but still occurs in parts of the world with lower coverage. For travel it's usually given as a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster.

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Key facts

Who it's for

Travellers to areas with lower vaccine coverage; anyone not up to date

Vaccination course

Usually a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster (Td/IPV)

Booster

Consider if it's been over 10 years and you're travelling to a higher-risk area

Protection

Long-term after a full UK course, topped up by boosters

How it spreads

Coughs, sneezes and close contact

When to have it

A couple of weeks before travel where possible

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria spread from person to person through coughs, sneezes and close contact, and sometimes through contact with infected skin sores. The bacteria can produce a toxin that causes a thick coating at the back of the throat, making breathing and swallowing difficult, and can also affect the heart and nerves.

Thanks to routine vaccination, diphtheria is now rare in the UK and many other countries, but it still occurs where vaccine coverage is lower. For travellers, the key is to be up to date — usually through a combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster.

Risk areas

Diphtheria still occurs in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the South Pacific, and some countries of the former Soviet Union, particularly where childhood vaccination coverage is lower or has been disrupted. Outbreaks can occur in areas affected by conflict or displacement.

Risk for travellers

Risk is higher for travellers to areas with lower vaccination coverage, especially on longer stays, when visiting friends and relatives, or when in close contact with local communities. As with tetanus and polio, the main message is to make sure your protection is up to date — a booster is recommended if it has been more than 10 years since your last dose and you're travelling to a higher-risk area.

What are the symptoms of Diphtheria?

Sore throat and hoarseness
A thick grey-white coating at the back of the throat
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swollen glands in the neck
Fever and a general feeling of being unwell
Skin sores or ulcers (in cutaneous diphtheria)

How does the Diphtheria Vaccine work?

For travel, diphtheria protection is usually given as a combined booster that also covers tetanus and polio (Td/IPV). A full UK course provides long-term protection, and a booster is recommended if more than 10 years have passed since your last dose and you're heading somewhere with a higher risk. We'll check your records and advise what you need at your appointment.

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Who should have a diphtheria booster?

Being up to date with diphtheria is sensible for travel to areas where it still occurs, particularly if you are:

Travelling to parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the South Pacific or the former Soviet Union
Staying for a longer period or visiting friends and relatives
In close contact with local communities, or working in healthcare or aid
More than 10 years on from your last tetanus/diphtheria/polio booster

The combined Td/IPV booster

Diphtheria is conveniently combined with tetanus and polio in a single injection (Td/IPV), since these are usually due together and polio cover is recommended for several destinations.

Most adults who completed their childhood vaccinations simply need a booster if it's been more than 10 years and they're travelling somewhere higher-risk. We'll confirm what you need from your records at your appointment.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild and settle quickly:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache or tiredness
A mildly raised temperature
Serious reactions are very rare

Reducing your risk while travelling

Vaccination is the main protection. Simple measures also help reduce the spread of diphtheria and other respiratory infections:

Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating
Avoid close contact with anyone who is obviously unwell where possible
Cover coughs and sneezes
Seek medical advice promptly if you develop a severe sore throat with fever while travelling

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