Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Diphtheria In-Short
On this page:
Description
A respiratory disease caused by bacteria
Symptoms
Gradual onset of a sore throat and low-grade fever
Complications
Airway obstruction, coma, and death if not treated
Transmission
Spread by coughing and sneezing
Vaccine
Diphtheria toxoid (contained in Tdap, DTP, DTaP, DT or Td vaccines) can prevent this disease.
Who Needs It?
Does my infant need this vaccine?
Yes, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 5 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for infants and children. One dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years old. DTaP vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
See also: childhood immunization schedule
See also: Who should not be vaccinated?
See also: Td Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
See also: DTaP Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
As an adult, do I need it?
Everyone needs protection from diphtheria. If you have not had a booster shot in 10 years or more -- or never had the initial 3-shot series -- you should be vaccinated.
See also: adult immunization schedule
Return to main Diphtheria page
Content last reviewed on January 12, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases