Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that damages infected tissues (typically the nose and throat) via produced toxins1.
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.
Symptoms2
Weakness
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen glands in neck
Complications5
Breathing problems
Heart damage
Nerve damage
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
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
dT Vaccine Schedule
TDaP 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.
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).
Name: Daptacel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert
Name: Infanrix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred:Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert
Name: Kinrix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert
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
Name: Pediarix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hepatitis B
Age Range: <7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert
Name: Pentacel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, HiB
Age Range:<7 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert
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.
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.
Name: TDVAX
Manufacturer: MassBiologics
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus
Age Range:7 years or older
Vaccine Safety Insert
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.
Name: Adacel
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range:10 to 64 years old
Vaccine Safety Insert
Name: Boostrix
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
Protections Conferred: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Age Range:10 years and older
Vaccine Safety Insert
Injection site redness or rash
Fever
Joint or muscle stiffness
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.