DIPHTHERIA VACCINATION

TYPES

Vaccines for diphtheria are a combination of three vaccines against three infectious diseases which include diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (whooping cough). There are four types of vaccines for diphtheria, the names of these vaccines are derived from the first letters of the said infectious diseases which are “D” for diphtheria, “T” for tetanus, and “aP” for acellular pertussis. The four types of vaccine combinations and the age group they are given are:

For infants and children:

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine.
• DT diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine.

For preteens, teens, and adults:

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) vaccine.
• Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine.

SYMPTOMS

Like any other vaccine and medication, Diphtheria vaccines also have side effects which commonly include:

• Pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling of the injection site
• Mild fever
• Fussiness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Body aches
• Muscle pains
• Stomach upset

TREATMENT

Everyone needs diphtheria vaccines throughout their lives. The four types of diphtheria vaccines are given throughout the life of an individual.

Infants and children (Birth to 6 years of age)

Doses of DTaP vaccine is given to young children as part of their routine vaccine schedule which is given at:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 15 through 18 months
• 4 through 6 years

DT vaccine may be given instead if the child had a serious reaction to the whooping cough part of the DTaP vaccine.

Preteens and teens (7 through 18 years of age)

At age 11 or 12, the child should have 1 booster shot of Tdap vaccine as part of their routine vaccine schedule

Adults (19 years of age and older)

Adults should have 1 booster shot of Td vaccine every 10 years as part of their routine vaccine schedule.

Instead of Td booster, a Tdap booster is given instead of the person missed it in the teenage years

Pregnant women

During the third trimester of each pregnancy, 1 Tdap booster is given.

When not to get a diphtheria vaccine?

• A life-threatening allergic reaction to a dose
• Severe allergy and reactions to an ingredient of the vaccine