In short: Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the throat, nose and sometimes the skin. It is rare in the UK because of routine childhood vaccination, but outbreaks continue in parts of Africa, Asia and elsewhere. UK guidance advises that travellers to areas where diphtheria is common, especially where access to healthcare is limited, should be fully vaccinated and have a booster if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains the symptoms of diphtheria, where it is still a risk and how to check whether you need a booster before you travel.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is caused by toxin-producing strains of bacteria, most commonly Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection usually affects the upper airways, but it can also cause skin ulcers (cutaneous diphtheria). The toxin can damage the heart and nerves, and the disease can be fatal, particularly in people who are not vaccinated.

How is diphtheria spread?

Respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, and close contact with an infected person
Contact with discharge from infected skin sores
Less commonly, contact with infected animals or unpasteurised dairy products (for some related bacterial species)

Symptoms usually appear a few days after exposure, typically 2 to 5 days.

What are the symptoms of diphtheria?

Respiratory diphtheria

Sore throat and pain when swallowing
Fever, cough, hoarse voice and headache
A grey or whitish coating (membrane) on the tonsils or throat, which can block the airway
Swollen glands in the neck, sometimes giving a "bull neck" appearance

Cutaneous (skin) diphtheria

Painful, slow-healing sores or ulcers, often on the arms or legs
Sores may become secondarily infected

If you develop these symptoms during or after travel, seek medical help promptly and mention where you have been. In an emergency, including any difficulty breathing, call 999.

Where is diphtheria still a risk?

Diphtheria occurs where vaccine coverage is low. In recent years TravelHealthPro has reported outbreaks in several countries, including large outbreaks in parts of West Africa such as Nigeria and Niger. Sporadic cases also occur in other regions, including parts of Asia, the Middle East and occasionally Europe. Because the situation changes, check the country page on TravelHealthPro and discuss your itinerary with a travel clinician.

Which diphtheria vaccines are given in the UK?

Diphtheria vaccine is always given combined with other vaccines. The current UK routine schedule (from January 2026) is:

Age	Vaccine	Protects against
8, 12 and 16 weeks	6-in-1 vaccine	Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B
18 months (children born on or after 1 July 2024)	6-in-1 vaccine	As above
3 years 4 months	4-in-1 pre-school booster	Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio
14 years (school Year 9)	3-in-1 teenage booster (Td/IPV)	Tetanus, diphtheria, polio

Someone who has completed this schedule has had five doses and is considered fully vaccinated for routine purposes in the UK.

Do I need a diphtheria booster for travel?

According to UKHSA Green Book guidance, you may be advised to have a booster of the combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine (Td/IPV) if:

you are travelling to a country where diphtheria is common or there is an outbreak, particularly if healthcare access will be limited, and
your last diphtheria-containing vaccine was more than 10 years ago

People who are not fully vaccinated, or who are unsure of their history, should have their missing doses completed. Some workers, such as certain laboratory staff, have separate occupational recommendations. A clinician will check your record and decide what is appropriate.

How can I reduce my risk while abroad?

Make sure your routine vaccines are up to date before you go
Wash hands regularly and keep any cuts or wounds clean and covered
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell with throat or skin infections where diphtheria is reported
Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products

Frequently asked questions

Is diphtheria still around in the UK?

It is rare, but cases do occur, usually linked to travel or contact with people from areas where it is common. High vaccine coverage keeps the risk low.

How long does diphtheria vaccine protection last?

Five doses give long-lasting protection for most people in the UK. For travel to higher-risk areas, UK guidance recommends a booster if it has been more than 10 years since the last dose.

Can adults catch up on missed diphtheria vaccines?

Yes. Adults with incomplete or unknown vaccination histories can be offered catch-up doses. Your GP practice can advise on routine catch-up; travel boosters may be available on the NHS or privately.

How is diphtheria treated?

Diphtheria is a medical emergency treated in hospital with diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. Close contacts are usually offered antibiotics and vaccination by public health teams.

Key takeaways

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infection that can be fatal.
Outbreaks continue in parts of Africa, Asia and elsewhere.
Travellers to risk areas usually need a Td/IPV booster if their last dose was over 10 years ago.
Bring your vaccination records to your travel appointment.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Not sure whether you are up to date? Find out more about our diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine service or book a travel health consultation at Ready Health in Standish. We see patients from Wigan, Chorley, Bolton and Horwich.