Diphtheria immunization (vaccine)

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Immunizations

This vaccine protects against diphtheria, a bacterial disease that affects the throat and can cause serious or deadly complications.

See also: Immunizations - general overview

Immunization - diphtheria; Vaccine - diphtheria

VACCINE INFORMATION

There are three forms of diphtheria immunization.

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 protects against diphtheria and tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or thigh.

The Td vaccine is for anyone over age 7. The vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria. It contains a slightly different dose of diphtheria vaccine than the DT vaccine. The vaccine is injected, usually into the arm.

See also:

Pertussis immunization (vaccine)

Tetanus immunization (vaccine)

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 between ages 4 and 6, before a child start's school.

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 Td vaccine booster shot should be given at age 11-12 and every 10 years thereafter.

BENEFITS

This vaccine is highly effective at preventing diphtheria. 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).