Ask a doctor on the topic of Tropical medicine

Booster shots for vaccinations Tetanus Diphtheria Polio Pertussis Hepatitis A and B

October 4, 2014 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello, I would like to know if my vaccination protection is still effective.

In 2001, I received a primary immunization for Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Polio (Tetanobulin, Tetravx, and Tetanol). In April 2014, I had an accident in Spain and because I wasn't sure anymore and we couldn't communicate, I received the first vaccination of a primary immunization (Tetanus and Diphtheria) and was supposed to catch up on the other two vaccinations in Germany. Now my question: Can this first vaccination of a primary immunization be considered as a booster shot? So that I am now protected for another 10 years? And is it true that the vaccinations for Pertussis and Polio only need to be done once in a lifetime, so I don't need to worry about them either?

In addition, in 2002, I received three vaccinations (Twinrix) against Hepatitis A and B. I have also read different opinions about this: some say it lasts a lifetime, others say you need a booster after 10-15 years. Can you tell me which one is true?

Thank you for the information.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

In fact, you are now protected against tetanus and diphtheria for ten years. However, since the whooping cough vaccination was missed, and it is not available without tetanus and diphtheria, I would still recommend this triple vaccination. It is not too much. If you have already had 4 polio vaccinations in your life, that should be sufficient. If not, that should be done as well.

Hepatitis A should be boosted every 10 years for long-distance travel. Hepatitis B usually provides lifelong immunity.

Warm regards, Dr. Höllering