Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Diphtheria Vaccine

Diphtheria Vaccine for Travel

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infection of the upper respiratory tract and, on occasion, the skin. The onset is acute, and the disease is spread through close contact with infected individuals. The incubation period is typically between 2 to 5 days. If left untreated, individuals may remain infectious for up to four weeks. In milder cases, carriers may be asymptomatic.

Vaccination Pricing

£39 Per dose
£39 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pharyngitis with fever

  • Swollen lymph glands in the neck which protrude

  • Headache

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Severe infection results in paralysis and cardiac failure

  • Swollen lymph glands

  • “Bull neck”

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
6-85 1** – Up to day before* 10 Years

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

**Children who have have already been immunised with the NHS childhood vaccination program.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the nose, throat, and occasionally the skin. It produces a toxin that can cause severe respiratory illness and, in more severe cases, damage to the heart, nerves, and other organs. Although now rare in countries with routine vaccination programmes like the UK, diphtheria remains a threat in regions with lower immunisation rates or disrupted healthcare systems. It is a potentially fatal disease, especially in young children or those who are not fully vaccinated. Historically a major cause of childhood death, diphtheria is now preventable through effective immunisation.

Diphtheria spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces or through direct contact with infected skin lesions. Carriers of the bacteria—who may not show symptoms—can still spread the disease. The most effective way to prevent diphtheria is through routine vaccination, typically offered as part of the combined DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine in childhood. Booster doses are recommended in adolescence and sometimes in adulthood, particularly for those travelling to countries where diphtheria is more common. Good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are also important preventive measures.

Diphtheria usually begins with symptoms similar to a severe sore throat, including difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and general fatigue. One of its hallmark signs is the formation of a thick, greyish-white coating in the throat or on the tonsils, which can obstruct the airway and cause breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the diphtheria toxin can spread through the bloodstream, leading to complications such as heart inflammation (myocarditis), nerve damage, or paralysis. Cutaneous diphtheria, a less common form, causes painful skin ulcers and is more likely in tropical climates or areas with poor hygiene. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid serious complications or death.

The diphtheria vaccine provides long-term but not lifelong immunity. In the UK, children receive the vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, followed by booster doses at 3 years 4 months and again between ages 13 and 18. After the full course, protection generally lasts for around 10 years, after which a booster may be advised, particularly for travellers to high-risk areas. Adults who haven’t received a full course or who are unsure of their vaccination history may need a booster to ensure adequate protection.

The diphtheria vaccine may be recommended for travel to countries with lower vaccination coverage or where recent outbreaks have occurred. These include parts of Asia (such as India, Indonesia, and Nepal), Africa (including Nigeria and Ethiopia), Eastern Europe, and South America. Travellers engaging in long-term stays, working in healthcare, or visiting rural areas where access to medical care is limited are at greater risk and should ensure they are up to date with boosters. A travel health professional can offer guidance based on the most recent outbreak data and your specific itinerary.

The diphtheria vaccine is generally very safe, and most side effects are mild. Common reactions include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as mild fever, tiredness, or irritability—particularly in children. These symptoms usually pass within a day or two. Occasionally, people may experience a small lump at the injection site that can last for a few weeks. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare. As the diphtheria vaccine is usually administered as part of a combined vaccine, such as DTaP or Td/IPV, side effects may be associated with the other components as well. Despite the minor risks, the vaccine remains a vital tool in preventing a potentially deadly disease.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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