Travel vaccination

Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccination (Revaxis)

Revaxis is a single combined booster vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. It is commonly given to adults who need to top up their protection, including travellers heading to areas where these diseases still occur.

£35 per dose

£35 per dose — single-dose booster

Who it is for

Adults and children from 10 years of age who need a combined diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster, including travellers to affected regions.

Number of doses

A single booster dose for those who completed the primary childhood course; a different schedule may apply if the primary course was never completed.

When to have it

At any time before travel; it can be arranged as part of wider travel vaccination planning.

How long protection lasts

Around ten years, after which a further booster may be advised depending on travel plans and exposure.

How it is given

A single injection into the upper arm muscle (intramuscular).

Price

£35 per dose

Quick answer

Revaxis is a single combined booster vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio for around ten years. It is recommended for adults whose protection has lapsed and for travellers to regions where these diseases still occur. The Revaxis diphtheria, tetanus and polio booster is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.

About Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio Vaccination (Revaxis)

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio are serious bacterial and viral infections that can cause severe illness. Diphtheria affects the throat and airways and can damage the heart and nerves, tetanus enters the body through wounds and causes painful muscle spasms, and polio can lead to permanent paralysis.

In the UK these diseases are now rare thanks to routine childhood immunisation, but they continue to circulate in parts of the world. Travellers to affected regions, and anyone whose protection has lapsed, may need a booster to maintain immunity.

Revaxis is a convenient single injection that boosts protection against all three diseases at once. Your travel health nurse will review your vaccination history and itinerary to advise whether a booster is suitable for you.

Timing

At any time before travel

A single booster dose can be given at any point before departure and starts to reinforce existing immunity quickly.

Effectiveness

Very high level of protection

When given as a booster to people who completed their primary childhood course, Revaxis provides excellent protection against all three diseases.

Duration

10 years

A booster dose generally provides protection for around ten years, after which a further dose may be advised depending on travel plans and exposure risk.

Signs & symptoms

  • Diphtheria: sore throat with a thick grey coating, swollen neck glands and difficulty breathing
  • Diphtheria toxin can damage the heart and nerves
  • Tetanus: painful muscle stiffness and spasms, often starting in the jaw (lockjaw)
  • Tetanus: difficulty swallowing and breathing in severe cases
  • Polio: fever, headache, neck stiffness and muscle weakness
  • Polio can cause permanent paralysis, which may affect the muscles used for breathing

Who should consider this vaccine?

A Revaxis booster may be advised for adults whose last diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccination was more than ten years ago, particularly those travelling to regions where these diseases remain a risk. It is also relevant for anyone needing tetanus cover after an injury. Your travel health nurse will check your records and advise based on your destination.

High Risk Areas

Polio still circulates in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, with occasional outbreaks elsewhere in Africa and Asia. Diphtheria occurs in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, while tetanus is a worldwide risk wherever wounds may become contaminated.

Traveller Risk Factors

Those most at risk include travellers to areas with limited healthcare access, those undertaking adventurous or rural travel, people whose protection has lapsed beyond ten years, and anyone at higher risk of cuts and wounds. Travellers visiting friends and relatives in affected regions may also benefit.

Who should have this vaccine

A Revaxis booster may be advised for adults whose last diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccination was more than ten years ago, particularly when travelling to regions where these diseases still occur. It is also relevant where tetanus protection needs updating after an injury. Your travel health nurse will review your vaccination history and itinerary to advise whether a booster is suitable.

  • Travellers to areas with limited access to healthcare or where these diseases remain a risk
  • Adults whose protection has lapsed beyond around ten years
  • Those undertaking adventurous, rural or long-stay travel
  • Anyone visiting friends and relatives in affected regions
  • People who may need tetanus cover after a wound or injury

The vaccination course

For people who completed the routine childhood immunisation programme, protection is maintained with a single combined Revaxis booster. The vaccine is given as one injection into the muscle of the upper arm. Those who were never fully vaccinated, or whose history is uncertain, may need a primary course of three doses, which your travel health nurse will explain.

  • Single booster dose for those previously fully immunised
  • Given as an intramuscular injection into the upper arm
  • Can be administered at any point before departure
  • A full primary course of three doses may be advised if never previously vaccinated

How long does protection last

A Revaxis booster generally provides protection against all three diseases for around ten years. After this time a further dose may be advised, depending on your travel plans and the risk of exposure. For routine UK life, additional boosters are usually only needed for travel or wound management rather than on a fixed lifelong schedule.

  • Protection typically lasts around ten years
  • A further booster may be advised for ongoing or future travel
  • Boosting works best in those who completed their primary childhood course

Possible side effects

Most side effects are mild and settle within a day or two. The most common are reactions at the injection site such as soreness, redness or swelling. Some people may notice a mild fever, headache, tiredness or aching muscles. Serious allergic reactions are very rare, and the clinic team is trained to manage them.

  • Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
  • Mild fever, headache or tiredness
  • Aching muscles or general feeling of being unwell
  • Serious allergic reactions are very rare

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by Crewe Travel Clinic clinical team · Last reviewed 13 June 2026

Explore more