Diphtheria with tetanus and poliomyelitis vaccine

How it works

It contains diphtheria and tetanus toxoids with inactivated poliovirus antigens that stimulate protective antibody responses without causing the diseases.

Prescribing in practice

• Defer in anyone with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine component, and postpone routinely if the child is acutely unwell with fever.
• Give by intramuscular injection and never administer the lower-antigen Td/IPV preparation where a higher-antigen primary schedule is specifically indicated for the child's age.
• Record the dose and schedule position; minor illness without fever is not a reason to delay.

Monitoring

Observe briefly after vaccination for immediate hypersensitivity and advise on expected local reactions such as soreness, redness and swelling.

Counselling the patient

• Mild fever and a sore arm are common and settle within a day or two.
• Seek advice if a severe or unusual reaction occurs.
• Keep the child's immunisation record up to date.

Evidence & guidelines

The Td/IPV vaccine is used as the adolescent booster in the UK routine immunisation schedule as set out in national guidance (the Green Book).