Vaccine (combination vaccine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination vaccine (injection) that helps your body build protection against four serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw), pertussis (whooping cough), and poliomyelitis (polio). It works by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight these infections without actually causing the diseases.
Stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immunity by presenting inactivated toxins (diphtheria and tetanus) and whole-cell antigens (pertussis and poliovirus) to B and T lymphocytes, inducing production of neutralizing antibodies and immunological memory against these pathogens.
Prevention of diphtheria (throat infection that can block breathing), tetanus (lock jaw), whooping cough (severe cough that can last months), polio (disease that can cause permanent paralysis)
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you or your child misses a scheduled dose, go back to the clinic as soon as possible to get it. You do not need to start the vaccination series all over again; just continue from where you stopped. The sooner you catch up, the better the protection.
Only get this vaccine from a registered hospital, clinic, or government immunization centre, never from roadside sellers or unregistered sources, as improper storage makes them useless or dangerous. Make sure you or your child completes all the required doses for full protection. Always collect and keep your vaccination card as proof of immunization.
If you or your child is taking medicines that weaken the immune system (like steroids or cancer drugs), the vaccine may not work as well, so inform your doctor. There are no major food or alcohol interactions, but let your health worker know about all medicines currently being used before getting the vaccine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Diphtheria, with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before taking this vaccine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks, though inactivated vaccines are generally considered safer than live vaccines during pregnancy.
This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, and do not freeze it, as freezing destroys the vaccine. It should not be left out in the Nigerian heat or exposed to direct sunlight. Only health facilities with proper cold chain storage should keep this vaccine. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.