Immunization - diphtheria
Key points
- This is an immunization (vaccination) to protect against diptheria (a bacterial disease that affects the throat and can cause serious or fatal complications).
- There are three forms of diphtheria immunization described next.
- Diphtheria vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations which should begin during infancy.
- This vaccine is highly effective at preventing diphtheria - a serious disease.
Alternative names
Diphtheria immunization (vaccine); Vaccine - diphtheria
Definition
This is an immunization (vaccination) to protect against diptheria (a bacterial disease that affects the throat and can cause serious or fatal complications). See also immunizations - general overview.
Information
VACCINE INFORMATION
There are three forms of diphtheria immunization described next. See also pertussis immunization (vaccine) and tetanus immunization (vaccine).
The DTaP vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or the thigh.
The DT vaccine is a "2-in-1" vaccine that can be given to children less than 7 years old. It protects against diphtheria and tetanus. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or thigh.
The Td vaccine is the "adult" vaccine. It is a "2-in-1" vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria. It contains a slightly different dose of diphtheria vaccine than the DT vaccine. It can be given to anyone older than 7 years old. The vaccine is injected, usually into the arm.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
Diphtheria vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations which should begin during infancy. Diphtheria immunization is generally required before a child can start school. Five doses of vaccine are recommended during childhood.
DTaP or DT immunization is usually a series of injections given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15-18 months. A booster is given before starting school (age 4-6). DTaP is recommended unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction), in which case the DT should be given.
After the initial series of immunizations, a booster of Td vaccine should be given at age 11-12 and every 10 years thereafter.
BENEFITS
This vaccine is highly effective at preventing diphtheria - a serious disease. DTaP and DT vaccine can be safely given to infants.
RISKS
DTaP may cause mild side effects (slight fever, mild crankiness, tenderness of the injection site for a few days).
DTaP may rarely cause the following more serious complications:
- high fever (more than 105 degrees F) in 1 out of 16,000 children
- non-stop crying for 3 hours or more in 1 out of 1,000 children
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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