Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio for adults

What does the product contain?

The vaccine contains a reduced dose of diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, a reduced dose of cell-free pertussis antigens and inactivated poliovirus. The purpose of vaccination is to induce an immune response. The vaccine is intended for use as a booster.

Who is the vaccine for?

Immunisation against whooping cough is particularly important for people who have or will have contact with newborn babies and young children:

• women who are planning a pregnancy and their partners,
• parents,
• older siblings,
• grandparents,
• caregivers.

Vaccinating household members and other caregivers can protect young children who are not yet immunised from catching dangerous infections from those around them. Vaccinating these people is part of the so-called cocoon strategy.

It is important to stress the importance of pertussis vaccination at this time when we have an unstable epidemiological situation and an increase in the incidence of pertussis.

The vaccine is also used to provide passive protection against pertussis in newborns and children in early infancy, after the mother has been vaccinated during pregnancy (week 27-36 of gestation).

Vaccination against diphtheria is recommended for adults who have never been vaccinated or have no record of vaccination. Adults who have previously been vaccinated should receive a booster dose every 10 years, as immunity wanes over time. Vaccination is especially important for travellers who may come into contact with people from regions where diphtheria is endemic. It is also a key component of post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who have been in contact with a person infected with diphtheria.

Vaccination against tetanus is advised for adults without prior vaccination or documentation, and for those who were previously vaccinated, a booster every 10 years is necessary due to decreasing immunity over time. Tetanus bacteria can be transmitted through minor injuries, particularly those involving contact with soil. The vaccine is also recommended as post-exposure prophylaxis following injury or wound contamination.

Vaccination against poliomyelitis is recommended for adults who have not been previously vaccinated. It is also beneficial as a booster for individuals traveling to areas where polio remains endemic, and for healthcare or laboratory personnel who may be exposed to confirmed or suspected cases.

If the dTap vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) is not unavailable, pregnant women may be given an alternative vaccine that also includes poliomyelitis.

What are the effects of the vaccine?

• Immunity against infection with up to 4 diseases (tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and polio);
• Passive protection of newborns and infants against whooping cough if a woman has been vaccinated during pregnancy.

The vaccine can be given with other preparations: inactivated influenza vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, inactivated human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

In the absence of a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine on the market, pregnant women may receive the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis vaccine.

Expiry date of the service: three (3) months from the date indicated in the order confirmation.

IMPORTANT! Vaccination requires qualification with a travel medicine doctor, during which there may be contraindications to the vaccination or the doctor will suggest a different preparation.

Make sure you book your vaccination appointment within 3 months of the date shown on your order confirmation.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a human infectious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It is spread by droplets and by direct contact with a sick person. In infants and young children, the disease is severe, with respiratory distress; complications and even death may occur. In older children and adults, the infection causes symptoms of a respiratory infection with a dry, paroxysmal cough. In adults, it is frequent that the only symptom is a persistent cough.

Cases of whooping cough occur in all age groups:

• Infants,
• Younger and older children,
• Adults.

This is because, on average, post-vaccination immunity persists for up to 6-12 years after a vaccination in the childhood time. Moreover, part of the children’s population is not adequately vaccinated because of their parents’ decision or due to medical contraindications. Another reason is that once pertussis has been contracted, there is no lasting immunity, which means that pertussis can be contracted several times in a lifetime.

The waning of post-vaccine immunity is mentioned as a reason for the increase in pertussis cases in adults. The longer it has been since the last vaccination, the lower the level of protective antibodies.

Tetanus bacteria are found in the soil. Every day we are exposed to minor injuries, cuts or bites in the course of our daily activities. If the wound is (or is likely to be) contaminated with soil during an injury, sting or bite, urgent administration of the vaccine is necessary, sometimes together with tetanus serum. It is therefore recommended to get vaccinated in advance and to get a booster dose to avoid stressful situations and reduce the risk of disease.

The vaccine also contains inactivated (killed) three types of poliovirus. Its use is intended to increase protection against poliomyelitis, although the risk of contracting the disease in Poland is negligible thanks to years of mass vaccination. However, infections still occur in some regions of Asia, and there is a risk that the virus may be introduced into Europe.

Expiry date of the service: three (3) months from the date indicated in the order confirmation.

• First, select the city and the Medical Centre where you would like to have the vaccination.

NOTE: Qualifying visits for vaccination are not included in the price. Patients who do not have these visits included in their healthcare plan can purchase them separately.

• After paying for the vaccination, book a qualifying visit for vaccinations. This visit is required prior to each vaccine administration. Vaccination takes place immediately after the qualifying visit.
• You can purchase and book the visit at a Medicover Centre reception desk or by calling the Hotline at +48 500 900 550.
• If the doctor does not approve the patient for vaccination, the patient must book another qualifying visit on the date indicated by the doctor. The patient must pay for this visit separately (unless it is included in the patient’s healthcare plan).