Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines for adults

What's included in the product?

The vaccine is intended to prevent pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus in adults.

Who is the vaccine for?

Pertussis vaccination is especially important for people who have or will be in contact with newborns and infants in the future:

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

Vaccinating household members and other caregivers helps protect youngest, not yet immune children from contracting a dangerous disease from people in their immediate vicinity. Vaccinations of such people are part of the so-called cocoon strategy.

Given the current unstable epidemiological situation, pertussis vaccination is strongly recommended. When administered between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy, the vaccine provides passive protection to infants, helping to safeguard them in the early months of life.

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.

Benefits of vaccination

• immunity against 3 diseases - tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria;
• assive protection for infants against pertussis when the mother is vaccinated during pregnancy.

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.

How to use the package?

1. . 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.
2. After paying for the vaccination, book an appointment for a qualifying consultation. This consultation is necessary each time before administering the vaccine. Vaccination takes place immediately after the qualifying visit.
3. 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.
4. You can purchase and book the visit at a Medicover Centre reception desk or by calling the Hotline at +48 500 900 505.

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).

Pertussis is an infectious disease that occurs only in humans, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The infection occurs through droplets and as a result of direct contact with the patient. In infants and young children, the disease is severe, and may result in respiratory disorders, complications and even death. In older children and adults, the disease has symptoms similar to a respiratory tract infection with a dry, paroxysmal cough. In adults, in many cases the only symptom is a prolonged cough. Pertussis can occur in all age groups:

• infants,
• young and older children, and
• adults.

This is due to the fact that vaccination immunity lasts on average up to 6-12 years after childhood vaccination, and in addition, not all children receive adequate immunization due to parental decisions or existing medical contraindications. Another reason is that after contracting pertussis, you do not develop sustained immunity, which means that you can get it many times in your life.

The reason for the increase in pertussis cases among adults is the extinction of post-vaccination immunity. The level of protective antibodies decreases with time since the last vaccination.

Tetanus is found in soil. Every day, during everyday activities, we are exposed to minor wounds, cuts or bites. If the wound is contaminated with earth (or is likely to be) during an injury, prick or bite, urgent administration of the vaccine is necessary, sometimes together with anti-tetanus serum.

For this reason, it is worth getting vaccinated in advance with a booster dose as prevention, which will avoid stressful situations and reduce the risk of contracting the disease.