Cheltenham Travel Clinic provide Diphtheria Vaccine for Travel

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Diphtheria Vaccine

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. Onset is acute and it is spread through close contact with infected individuals. The incubation period is between 2–5 days. If left untreated, individuals can remain infectious for up to 4 weeks. In milder cases, carriers may be asymptomatic.

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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

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

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Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

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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.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose and throat but can also cause skin infections. The disease spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person or contaminated surface. Diphtheria is now rare in the UK due to widespread vaccination but remains a risk in parts of Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe where vaccination rates are lower. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces or through close contact with infected wounds. Prevention is most effective through vaccination, usually given as part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine during childhood and followed by booster doses in adulthood, especially before travel.

What are the symptoms of diphtheria?

Symptoms of diphtheria usually begin two to five days after exposure. The most common signs include a sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, and difficulty breathing. A thick grey or white coating may appear on the throat and tonsils, which can obstruct the airway and lead to breathing problems. In some cases, diphtheria can affect the skin, causing ulcers or sores. If the bacterial toxin spreads through the bloodstream, it can lead to serious complications such as heart problems, nerve damage, and in severe cases, death.

How long does the vaccine last?

Primary immunisation offers good protection, but immunity wanes over time. Booster doses are recommended every 10 years, especially for those travelling to high-risk regions.

Countries I need the vaccine for

The vaccine is recommended for travellers to regions where diphtheria is still prevalent, including parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.

Vaccine Side effects

Side effects are usually mild and include pain or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or tiredness. Serious reactions are rare but may include allergic responses.