DTP vaccination: what is it and when should you repeat it?
The DTP vaccination is a combination vaccine that provides protection against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and polio. In the Netherlands, children are routinely vaccinated through the National Vaccination Programme, but this protection does not last for life. Many adults do not know that the DTP vaccination needs to be repeated regularly. In this blog, you will read what the DTP vaccination entails, what diseases you are protected against and when to repeat the vaccination.
What is the DTP vaccination?
DTP is a collective term for three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and polio. With one combination vaccine, you are protected against all three of these diseases.
What diseases does the DTP vaccination protect against?
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a contagious infectious disease caused by a bacterium spread through coughing. The bacteria produce a powerful toxin that can damage tissues of the skin, lungs, heart, nervous system or kidneys.
Symptoms of diphtheria:
- Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
- Grey deposits on throat tonsils
- Blood and mucus from the nose
- Skin ulcers
- Heart disease and paralysis
Diphtheria can be fatal if the heart is affected or if respiratory problems develop. The disease is most common in Asian countries such as India, Indonesia and Nepal, but also in Brazil.
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium found in the intestinal tract of animals and in manure. The bacteria produce toxins that cause violent muscle spasms. People become infected when open wounds come into contact with soil, street dirt or dung.
Symptoms of tetanus:
- Stiffness around the wound
- Painful muscle cramps
- Whole-body cramping
- Complications such as bone fractures and heart problems
Tetanus is not contagious from person to person, but can be fatal without treatment. The disease occurs worldwide.
Polio
Polio is a serious infectious disease caused by the polio virus. Often infected people notice little - at most flu-like symptoms. The virus spreads from person to person through the mouth.
In some cases, the virus causes infection of the spinal cord or brain stem, resulting in paralysis and meningitis.
Serious consequences of polio:
- Paralysis occurs in 1 in 100 to 200 infected people
- 2 to 10% of patients with paralysis die
- In 20 to 30%, muscle weakness and fatigue develops again years later
Mandatory polio vaccination for travellers
Since 13 November, specific countries have had a compulsory polio vaccination for travellers staying longer than 4 weeks. Upon departure, you must be able to prove that you have received a polio-containing vaccine (DTP) within the past 12 months.
This requirement applies to travellers to:
The requirement applies to both adults and children. Border authorities can check your vaccination compliance upon departure. Therefore, plan your DTP vaccination early if you are travelling to one of these countries.
When do you get the DTP vaccination?
As a child through the National Vaccination Programme
In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against DTP at the age of 9 through the National Vaccination Programme. This vaccination gives 10 years of protection.
As an adult
After 10 years, you can take a booster vaccine for optimal protection. The booster vaccine consists of one injection and gives another 10 years of protection.
Not vaccinated as a child?
Were you not vaccinated against DTP as a child? Then you need a series of three injections:
- First injection - starting point
- Second injection - after 1 month
- Third injection - after 6 months
After this series, you are protected for 10 years. After that, you can take a booster vaccine every 10 years.
How often should you repeat the DTP vaccination?
For optimal protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio, it is important to get the DTP vaccination every 10 years to be repeated with a booster vaccine.
When is repetition especially important?
In case of injuries: If you have a dirty or deep wound and your last tetanus vaccination was more than 5 years ago, an extra shot may be needed.
For international travel: Travelling to areas where diphtheria or polio are prevalent? Then check your vaccination status in good time. Especially for travel to:
- Asian countries (India, Indonesia, Nepal) and Brazil for diphtheria
- Afghanistan, Pakistan, Algeria, Congo D.R., Djibouti, Guinea, Israel, Cameroon and Chad for polio
In high-risk activities: Do you work a lot outdoors or with animals? Then up-to-date tetanus protection is extra important.
Costs and fees
The current cost of the Hepatitis A vaccination can be found on the rates page from Vaccination Point. Please note that these amounts do not include (telephone) consultation fees.
Depending on your health insurance, (part of) the vaccination may be reimbursed. Check the fees page for possible reimbursement through your insurance.
Schedule your DTP vaccination at Vaccination Point
Not sure if your DTP vaccination is still valid? Or will you be travelling to a high-risk area soon? Then make an appointment now at Vaccination Point for personal advice and professional vaccination care.
With more than 90 locations nationwide, flexible opening hours and quick appointment scheduling, you will be helped within a minute. Our LCR-registered nurses make sure you are optimally protected on the road.
Frequently asked questions about the DTP vaccination
How many weeks before my trip should I arrange for the DTP vaccination?
If you need the full vaccination series (three doses), plan well in advance. The three injections need an interval of 1 and 6 months. For simple trips, make an appointment 4-8 weeks before departure, for long-term or high-risk trips preferably six months in advance.
Can I combine the DTP vaccination with other travel vaccinations?
Yes, almost all vaccinations can be given at the same time. For live attenuated vaccines, it is advised to keep at least four weeks between vaccinations. During your consultation at Vaccination Point, you will receive personalised advice.
What if I don't remember when my last DTP vaccination was?
During your consultation at Vaccination Point, the nurses will help you find out your vaccination status. This can often be done through your GP or the RIVM. If your vaccination status cannot be found out, you can simply start a new vaccination series.
Is the DTP vaccination the same as DKT or DTP-Polio?
Yes, DTP stands for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio. Sometimes you will also see the term DKT, where the K stands for clamp (tetanus). This is the same vaccination.
