DTP

DTP stands for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Poliomyelitis (polio). The DTP vaccination protects you against these infectious diseases. In the Netherlands and most other countries, all children are vaccinated against DTP. After the initial vaccination, a periodic booster (every 10 years) is sufficient to maintain protection. This booster vaccination is a one-time process and protects you for another ten years. If you have never been vaccinated against DTP before, you will need a series of 3 injections to be protected for 10 years.

Diphtheria is a very serious contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacterium can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or touch. It can also spread through animals and by drinking unpasteurised milk.

Tetanus is caused by the poison ('toxins') produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These toxins spread through the bloodstream and affect the central nervous system. As a result, symptoms emerge, include severe muscle spasms, which can lead to death. The tetanus bacterium can survive for a long time in soil, faeces, and dirt. It can enter the body through wounds or animal bites. Tetanus infection occurs only when a person has an open wound that comes into contact with dirt, dust, manure, or soil.

Polio, also know as "Poliomyelitis", is a viral infection caused by one of three types of poliovirus. A poliovirus infection usually occurs without symptoms, but in some cases (less than 1%), it can lead to severe complications such as paralysis. Polio mainly affects children under 5 years of age. Contrary to this, polio can occur in both (unvaccinated) children and adults.

Where is DTP found?

Diphtheria occurs worldwide, particularly in countries with inadequate vaccination programmes. Tetanus is found all over the world and is not limited to any specific continent or region. Polio has largely been eradicated in the Western world due to successful vaccination programmes, except for occasional outbreaks among unvaccinated populations. Currently, polio is mainly found on the Indian subcontinent and in West and Central Africa.

What are the symptoms?

How to prevent DTP?

Vaccination provides good protection against these serious diseases. People who are fully vaccinated almost never die from DTP. Since the 1950s, this vaccination has been part of the National Immunisation Programme. This vaccination is referred to as the DT(aP)-IPV vaccination. If you are travelling to a country where DTP is present, a booster vaccination may be necessary. You can make an appointment for vaccination here straight away.

More information

If you would like to learn more about DTP, please check out the RIVM information page here: DTP | RIVM.