Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (DTP) Vaccine in Highfield Pharmacy
Same-Day Appointments Available for DTP Vaccination and Booster Doses
Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccine
£35
ⓘ Vaccination requirements may vary by country. Please consult with the pharmacy before booking.
About Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccination
How Our Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccine Service Works
Book an Appointment
Call or book online to schedule your DTP vaccination or travel health consultation. Same-day appointments available for urgent needs. For routine childhood immunisations, please contact us to arrange convenient appointment times
Attend Your Consultation
Our pharmacists will assess your vaccination history, review your medical records, and discuss your travel plans or immunisation needs. We'll confirm the DTP vaccine is appropriate for you and answer any questions about the vaccination or side effects.
Receive Treatment
You’ll receive your DTP vaccination during the appointment. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly in the upper arm (deltoid). For patients with bleeding disorders, a deep subcutaneous injection may be used. We'll provide aftercare advice and, if needed.
What is Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio?
The DTP vaccine provides protection against three potentially life-threatening diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and nose, causing breathing difficulties and potentially damaging the heart and nervous system.
Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, occurs when bacteria enter the body through cuts, wounds, or burns and produce toxins that attack the nervous system, leading to severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene and can cause permanent paralysis, breathing problems, and long-term disability.
How Polio? Spreads:
- Airborne droplets released through coughing and sneezing
- Direct contact with infected respiratory secretions
- Contact with infected skin sores or lesions
- Sharing contaminated personal items such as utensils or towels
- Close contact with infected individuals or carriers
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth or nose
High-Risk Destinations Include:
- Parts of Asia including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan
- Eastern Europe and former Soviet states with lower vaccination coverage
- Sub-Saharan African countries experiencing healthcare access challenges
- Remote regions of South America
- Conflict-affected or humanitarian crisis areas
Importance Of Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccine Vaccination
The combined DTP vaccine provides comprehensive protection against three serious diseases with a single injection. Thus making it an essential immunisation for children, adults, and travellers.
Why Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccine matters:
Who Should Get DTP Vaccine In Highfield Pharmacy?
The DTP vaccination is recommended for multiple groups. It’s provided as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule and is also advised for adults requiring boosters and travellers visiting higher-risk regions.
Children (Routine NHS Programme)
Infants at 8, 12, and 16 weeks (DTaP/IPV/Hib)
Pre-school booster at 3 years 4 months (DTaP/IPV)
Teenagers at 14 years (Td/IPV booster)
Adults Requiring Boosters
Booster every 10 years to maintain protection
Adults with incomplete childhood vaccination records
Individuals who have not received a booster in the last decade
People with uncertain vaccination history
Travellers To High-Risk Regions
Travellers visiting countries where diphtheria, tetanus, or polio remain endemic
Backpackers and adventure travellers
Volunteers and aid workers in developing regions
Long-stay travellers (more than one month)
People visiting friends and relatives in endemic regions
High-Risk Occupational Groups
Healthcare professionals
Agricultural and farm workers
Construction and outdoor workers
Military personnel
Waste management workers
Emergency services personnel
Individuals With Specific Risk Factors
People with deep, contaminated, or puncture wounds
Pregnant women requiring tetanus protection
Individuals with garden injuries or animal bites
People regularly handling soil, compost, or animal waste
Those with immunosuppression or bleeding disorders
History of Guillain-Barré syndrome or recent encephalopathy
Who Should Not Receive The DTP Vaccine:
Children under 6 years
Anyone with a previous severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or its components
Individuals with acute severe febrile illness
People who received a diphtheria or tetanus-containing vaccine within the last 5 years
Individuals with phenylketonuria or previous neurological complications after vaccination
Symptoms Of Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio
Recognising the symptoms of diphtheria, tetanus, and polio is essential for early treatment and prevention of severe complications. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against these serious infectious diseases.
Diphtheria Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 2–5 days after infection.
Early signs:
- Sore throat and mild fever
- Swollen glands in the neck
- General weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Thick grey or white coating in the throat (pseudomembrane)
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Hoarse voice or loss of voice
- Bluish skin discoloration (cyanosis)
- Drooling from difficulty swallowing
- Rapid heart rate
- Heart failure caused by toxin damage
- Temporary or permanent paralysis
- Kidney failure
- Death in severe untreated cases
Tetanus Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop 3–21 days after infection (commonly around 7–10 days).
Characteristic signs:
- Lockjaw (inability to open the mouth)
- Painful muscle stiffness and spasms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rigid abdominal muscles
- Facial muscle spasms causing a rigid smile
- Respiratory failure from breathing muscle paralysis
- Bone fractures from violent muscle contractions
- Death in 10–20% of severe cases
- Whole-body muscle spasms
- Arching of the back (opisthotonus)
- Difficulty breathing from chest muscle spasms
- Seizures triggered by noise, light, or touch
- Fever, sweating, and high blood pressure
Polio Symptoms
Most polio infections cause no symptoms, but some people may develop mild to severe illness.
Minor illness (non-paralytic polio):
- Fever, fatigue, and headache
- Sore throat and vomiting
- Stiff neck and back pain
- Muscle tenderness
- Symptoms usually resolve within one week
- Loss of reflexes
- Severe muscle pain and spasms
- Loose, floppy limbs
- Sudden paralysis (temporary or permanent)
- Can affect legs, arms, or breathing muscles
- Progressive muscle weakness years after recovery
- Extreme fatigue and muscle pain
- Breathing or swallowing difficulties
- Affects many long-term polio survivors
Serious reactions are extremely rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or wheezing, severe swelling of face or throat, widespread rash, or high fever (39°C or above) lasting more than 48 hours.
Side Effects Of DTP Vaccination
The DTP vaccine is very safe and well-tolerated. Most people experience no side effects or only minor, temporary reactions. The benefits of protection against three serious diseases far outweigh the minimal risks.
- Redness, swelling, or tenderness at injection site
- Mild pain or discomfort in the arm
- Small hard lump at injection site (usually resolves within weeks)
- Mild fever (usually under 38°C)
- Headache
- Tiredness or feeling generally unwell
- Mild nausea
- Muscle aches
- Higher fever (38°C or above)
- Swollen glands
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability (particularly in young children)
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Resume normal activities immediately after vaccination
- Side effects typically appear within 24–48 hours
- Symptoms usually resolve within 2–3 days without treatment
- Apply a cool compress to reduce injection site discomfort
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (follow dosage instructions)
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
- Widespread rash or hives
- High fever (39°C or above) lasting more than 48 hours
- Persistent severe pain or swelling at injection site
Book Your Vaccine Today
Same-day appointments available with qualified travel health professionals.
Book AppointmentWhy Choose Our Travel Clinic in Highfield Pharmacy
Experienced Immunisation Specialists
Our pharmacists have extensive training in travel medicine and immunisation services. We stay current with NHS guidance, Public Health England recommendations, and WHO travel health advisories. That's how we are able to provide evidence-based vaccination services.
Comprehensive Travel Health Assessments
Your appointment includes thorough evaluation of your destination, season, accommodation, activities, and duration of travel. We assess your vaccination history and provide personalised recommendations for all necessary immunisations, malaria prevention, and staying healthy abroad.
NHS and Private Vaccination Services
We provide both NHS childhood immunisations and private travel vaccination services. Whether you need routine boosters or pre-travel immunisation in Highfield Pharmacy, we offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs.
Clear, Transparent Pricing
Upfront costs with no hidden fees. We discuss all charges during your consultation, and many travel vaccines qualify as business expenses. NHS childhood immunisations provided free of charge as part of the national programme.
Same-Day DTP Vaccine Appointments
Flexible scheduling including same-day appointments for urgent pre-departure needs or immediate booster requirements. While we recommend booking ahead when possible, we accommodate last-minute requests for travellers and those requiring urgent vaccination.
Convenient Central Location
We are easily accessible from town centre, Langley, Cippenham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and surrounding Berkshire areas. Ample parking available with convenient appointment times that work around your schedule.
Complete Immunisation Service
Full range of childhood vaccines, adult boosters, and travel immunisations including yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, and MMR. We also supply antimalarial medication and travel health products, making us your one-stop vaccination centre.
Efficient Appointment System
Quick, streamlined vaccination appointments with minimal waiting. We respect your time while ensuring thorough pre-vaccination assessment and aftercare advice.