FastHeal Clinic · Travel Clinic Woking
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Booster in Woking
One combined injection. Ten years of cover. The booster most adults are overdue.
3 Mercia WalkWoking
Surrey, GU21 6XS
About the service
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio at FastHeal Woking
If you grew up in the UK you had five doses of diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine by the time you left school, and that is considered lifelong protection for life in Britain. Travel is different. For most destinations outside Western Europe, North America and Australasia, the advice is a booster if your last dose was more than ten years ago. For a lot of adults, that is every dose they have ever had.
Three diseases, one jab
Tetanus lives in soil and enters through cuts, burns and animal bites. It causes muscle spasms severe enough to break bones and stop breathing. It is everywhere in the world, and the reason a booster matters for travel is that treatment abroad may be a long way off.
Diphtheria is a throat infection that can block the airway and damage the heart. It has all but vanished from the UK because of vaccination but still circulates in parts of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and imported cases turn up in the UK most years.
Polio was nearly eradicated but is still transmitted in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with periodic outbreaks elsewhere in Africa and Asia. Some countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, may require proof of polio vaccination within the last 12 months from long-stay visitors before they leave the country.
Who needs the booster
- Anyone travelling outside Western Europe whose last dose was more than ten years ago
- Anyone unsure of their vaccination history
- Anyone travelling to a country with active polio transmission, where a dose within the last 12 months may be required
- Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, where routine vaccines are expected to be up to date
If your last dose was within ten years and you are not visiting a polio-affected country, you do not need it, and we will say so.
The vaccine
A single injection of combined low-dose diphtheria, tetanus and inactivated polio vaccine. It is available free from many GP practices for travel, but if you cannot get an appointment in time we give it on the day. Protection is immediate if you have had the primary course, and lasts ten years.
Adults who never had a primary course, which applies to some people who grew up abroad, need three doses a month apart followed by boosters.
Side effects
Sore arm, occasionally with some redness and swelling, for a day or two. Mild temperature or headache in a minority.
Price
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster | £35 |
Consultation free when booked with any vaccine.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is the tetanus booster free on the NHS?
For travel, many GP practices offer it free. Availability and waiting times vary. We charge for it but can usually see you within 48 hours.
I do not know when I last had it. What should I do?
Your GP practice holds your vaccination record and can usually tell you on the phone. If the record is incomplete, a booster is safe to give and is the sensible default.
Do I need it for Thailand, Turkey or Egypt?
Yes for all three, if your last dose was more than ten years ago.
Can I have it with other travel vaccines?
Yes, at the same appointment.
Do I need a polio certificate?
Only for long stays in a handful of countries with ongoing polio transmission, where a dose within the previous 12 months may be checked on departure. We advise on this during your consultation.
Visit our Woking clinic
Step inside our calm, modern clinic on Woking High Street and you'll find a friendly team ready to help. Our private consultation rooms and welcoming clinic environment mean you'll always feel comfortable and well looked after.
- Modern, welcoming clinic environment
- Private consultation rooms
- Friendly, qualified clinicians on hand
- Convenient Woking High Street location
Book your booster
Bring your vaccination history if you have it. If not, we can work from a phone call to your GP.