DIPHTHERIA VACCINE - a parent's guide
Editorial Team

Overview

Diphtheria vaccine protects children against diphtheria.

The vaccine is normally offered in one injection that also contains tetanus and acellular ptussis (DTaP).

The vaccine is called DTaP and refers to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whopping cough).

The Td vaccine given at 11 years contains a smaller amount of diphtheria vaccine combined with a tetanus vaccine.

Diphtheria used to be a common cause of death before the vaccine was developed.

The vaccine is given at six weeks, three months, five months and 15 months.

What is it?

The diphtheria vaccine protects children against the serious disease diphtheria which can be fatal.

The disease has almost been eradicated from many western countries thanks to immunisation with the diphtheria vaccine.

The vaccination is offered in one injection called DTaP which also contains vaccines for tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) .

There is also an injection available that contains just diphtheria and tetanus vaccines (Td), and an adult vaccine known as Td that has a smaller dose of the diphtheria component. This is the injection that is given at age 11.

Diphtheria causes throat and sometimes skin infections. The infections can be serious and lead to paralysis and heart failure.

The diphtheria vaccine offers strong protection against diphtheria. However, some people who have been immunised still carry the bug in their throats(without becoming ill) and can pass it on to unimmunised people.

When should it be offered?

Immunisation schedules vary from different countries. In New Zealand, it is recommended children have the DTaP vaccine at six weeks, three months, five months and 15 months. A further tetanus and diphtheria(Td) vaccination is recommended at 11 years .

What are the side effects?

Some people feel unwell after the diphtheria vaccine and some get a fever or a headache.

There have been concerns in the past that the pertussis (whooping cough) part of the vaccine can cause brain damage. Studies have shown there is probably not a link and if there is the rate is less than one in a million.

Where to get more information?

Your doctor or practice nurse will be able to help.