The vaccine you have been administered is a combined vaccine and includes diphtheria, tetanus and polio. This is used to provide you with long-term protection against all three diseases. You may have been given a booster of the vaccine or commenced on a course of tetanus immunisation. Most people are immunised against tetanus in childhood, but some people may have been missed. Those patients who sustain a tetanus-prone wound, and do not have adequate existing protection against tetanus, may also be given human tetanus immunoglobulin to ensure immediate protection against the disease.

This advice leaflet tells you a bit more about these diseases and why we vaccinate against them and any follow-up you require.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus (lock jaw) is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Tetanus spores are present in soil or manure and may be introduced into the body through an open or puncture wound or minor burn. Once in the wound, the bacterium starts to make a toxin that spreads around the body to affect the nervous system. The effect is to cause loss of normal movement due to uncontrollable spasms of muscles producing a locked jaw, rigid muscles and muscle contractions. Tetanus is a very serious disease and many people in the developing countries die from the disease. Even in the UK, deaths can still occur, as tetanus can never be eradicated because the spores are commonly present in the environment, including soil. Tetanus is not spread from person to person. Routine tetanus immunisation began in 1961. Most people who have served in the Armed Forces will have been vaccinated against the disease. If you are unsure, we may be able to check your status with your GP. Further boosters may be given if there is a specified need.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The disease usually starts when the bacterium enters the throat area or sometimes in the skin. In the throat, a tough membrane can form that can cause choking and can be fatal. The toxin is absorbed into the bloodstream and spreads around the body where it can cause damage to the heart and kidneys and other organs.

What is polio?

Polio is an infectious disease that is usually caught by swallowing polio viruses in food or drink. It can also be caught by eating with unwashed hands if there is virus on them. The viruses spread to the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis.

Possible side effects:

Like all medicines, vaccines can have side effects. Very common side effects include pain, redness, swelling, and hardening of the skin, lumpiness or nodule at the site of injection. Other common side effects include nausea and vomiting, a high temperature and headache. Dizziness has been reported after vaccination so you should take care if driving or operating machinery following vaccination. Uncommon side effects are swollen glands, muscle pains and feeling generally unwell. Serious allergic reactions are a very rare possibility after receiving any vaccine. If you develop any of the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine please return to the ED.

Swelling of the face or mouth
Itchy skin rash
Difficulty in breathing

If you have been given a combined booster of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio vaccine

If you have been given the first of a course, you will need to see your GP for further boosters.

If you have been given Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin

Human tetanus immunoglobulin provides you with a wide range of antibodies. These will interfere with the response to some vaccines, especially the chickenpox and measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. Such vaccinations should not be given until 3 months after you have received human tetanus immunoglobulin. If you require any blood tests in the next 3 months, take this card with you, as human tetanus immunoglobulin may affect the results of certain tests.

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If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone us on: 01257 245219 (Chorley ED) or 01772 522878 (Preston ED).

A senior nurse or doctor will be able to advise you. Alternatively, you may contact 111.

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