Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that damages infected tissues (typically the nose and throat) via produced toxins1

Diphtheria

 

How is Diphtheria Spread?

Diphtheria is typically spread via respiratory droplets (i.e. coughing or sneezing), and occasionally direct contact with sores caused by bacteria. Contact with objects that are contaminated with diphtheria can also spread the infection.

Diphtheria Spread cartoon

 

Symptoms2

Image depicting weakness/fatigue

Weakness

Image depicting feverish face

Fever

 

Image depicting sore throat

Sore throat

 

Image depicting swollen glands in neck

Swollen glands in neck 

How long do symptoms last?

Image depicting a calendar

Symptoms of diphtheria last 7-10 days3. Untreated infected patients may be contagious for up to 4 weeks. When treated, this is significantly reduced to less than 4 days4.

Complications5

 

Image depicting breathing problems

Breathing problems

 

Image depicting heart damage

Heart damage

 

Image depicting nerve damage

Nerve damage 

DTaP/TDaP/DT/tD Vaccines

DTaP Immunoglobulin

Several vaccines available designed to protect individuals from diphtheria. DT/tD (Diphtheria and Tetanus), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis), and TDaP, all protect you from diphtheria as well as other infectious diseases.

Vaccine Safety

Reviews of VAERS reports associated with DTaP and TDaP vaccines found the vaccines to be safe. Studies looked into some specific neurological problems or seizures and found no association between these complications and the vaccines.

If you are unsure about vaccine safety, you should always speak with your doctor about any potential risks.

Vaccine Effectiveness6

Diphtheria from 1940s to 2010

 

 

 

Thanks to improved hygiene and the introduction of diphtheria vaccinations in the 1940s, there has been a steep decline in yearly reported cases of diphtheria.

 

Vaccine Schedules

DTaP Vaccine Schedule

DTaP Vaccine Schedule

 

dT Vaccine Schedule

DT Vaccine Schedule

 

TDaP Vaccine Schedule

TDAP Vaccine Schedule

 

TD Vaccine Schedule

TD Vaccine Schedule

 

Which vaccine should I get?

This depends on multiple factors, such as your age, pre-existing medical conditions, and pregnancy status. Speak with your physician about options and recommendations.

How do I know if I am protected against diphtheria?

Your vaccination records are the best way of knowing if you have been vaccinated. If these records cannot be found, your doctor may perform a blood test. Speak with your doctor if you are unsure about your immune status.

Types of diphtheria vaccines

Many different manufacturers produce many different vaccines to protect from not only tetanus, but also several other infectious diseases as well.

 

Legend

Legend Diphtheria and Pertussis

Legend Pertussis

Legend Polio

Legend Hepatitis B

Legend HiB

DTaP Vaccines

The following vaccines protect individuals from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Some vaccines also include vaccinations for polio, Heptatitis B, and/or Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Daptacel manufactured by sanofi pasteur

Name: Daptacel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

infanrix manufactured by glaxosmithkline

Name: Infanrix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred:Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

Kinrix manufactured by glaxosmithkline

Name: Kinrix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

vaxelis manufactured by MCM Vaccine Company

Name: Vaxelis (currently unavailable in the U.S.)
Manufacturer: MCM Vaccine Company
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hepatitis B, HiB
Age Range:<7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

pediarix manufactured by glaxosmithkline

Name: Pediarix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hepatitis B
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

pentacel produced by sanofi pasteur

Name: Pentacel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, HiB
Age Range:<7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

quadracel manufactured by sanofi pasteur

Name: Quadracel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio
Age Range:<7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

DT Vaccines

DT Vaccines protect individuals from diphtheria and tetanus.

Generic DT vaccine manufactured by sanofi pasteur

Name: Generic
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus
Age Range:<7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

Td Vaccines

Td vaccines protect individuals from tetanus and diphtheria.

TDVAX manufactured by massbiologics

Name: TDVAX
Manufacturer: MassBiologics
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus
Age Range:7 years or older
Vaccine Safety Insert

TENIVAC manufactured by sanofi pasteur

Name: TENIVAC
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus
Age Range:7 years or older
Vaccine Safety Insert

Tdap

Tdap vaccines protect individuals from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Adacel manufactured by sanofi pasteur

Name: Adacel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range:10 to 64 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert

Boostrix manufactured by sanofi pasteur

Name: Boostrix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range:10 years and older
Vaccine Safety Insert

Side Effects

In some cases, vaccines may cause side effects. Always speak with your doctor about concerns you may have.

injection site redness or rash

Injection site redness or rash

fever

Fever

joint or muscle stiffness

Joint or muscle stiffness

injection site pain or soreness

Injection site pain or soreness

Severe Allergic Reactions

In very rare cases, severe allergic reactions have been observed. Let your doctor know if you have ever experienced any allergic reactions to vaccines.

The Bottom Line

Diphtheria is an extremely contagious disease that poses significant risk unvaccinated individuals, especially children. Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent diphtheria.

Sources

1. Diphtheria. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/causes-transmission.html. Published December 17, 2018. Accessed May 11, 2020.

2. Diphtheria. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/index.html. Published December 17, 2018. Accessed April 14, 2020. 

3. Diphtheria: A-to-Z Guide from Diagnosis to Treatment to Prevention. Helping you to raise healthier kids with pediatric wisdow. https://www.drgreene.com/articles/diphtheria/. Accessed May 11, 2020.

4. Department of Health. Diphtheria. https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/diphtheria/fact_sheet.h…. Published January 2012. Accessed May 12, 2020.

5. Diphtheria. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/symptoms.html. Published December 17, 2018. Accessed May 12, 2020.

6. Pinkbook. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/dip.html. Published April 15, 2019. Accessed May 12, 2020.