Diphtheria

Symptoms²

How long do symptoms last?

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

DTaP/TDaP/DT/tD Vaccines

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

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.

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

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).

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.

Tdap

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

Side Effects

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

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.