Diphtheria Vaccination
Pronounced (dif-THEER-ee-a)
Vaccines are available that can help prevent diphtheria, an infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. Four kinds of vaccines used today protect against diphtheria, all of which also protect against other diseases:
- Diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
- Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccines
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines
Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP or DT, while older children and adults receive Tdap and Td.
CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and adults. Talk with your or your child’s healthcare professional if you have questions about diphtheria vaccines.
Basic information for people interested in diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination…
Vaccine recommendations and contraindications; composition, immunogenicity, and efficacy; storage and handling; administration details…
CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for:
- Babies and children
- Preteens and teens
- Adults
- CDC’s Diphtheria Website
- Diphtheria Information on vaccines.govexternal icon
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccine Information Statements
- DTaP (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Td (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Tdap (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Photos of Diphtheria Bacteria and People Affected by Diphtheria
Warning: Some of these photos are graphic.