Diphtheria vaccine

Diphtheria vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent diphtheria, a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

Overview

The diphtheria vaccine is usually given in combination with other vaccines, such as tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), in a single injection known as the DTaP vaccine. This vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses to children beginning at two months of age.

Effectiveness

The diphtheria vaccine is highly effective at preventing diphtheria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine has reduced the number of cases of diphtheria worldwide by more than 90% since its introduction.

Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the diphtheria vaccine can cause side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own. They can include redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site, as well as fever and fussiness in children.

Contraindications

The diphtheria vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to any component of the vaccine. It should also not be given to anyone who has a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome that occurred after receiving a vaccine containing tetanus toxoid.

See Also

• Vaccination
• Immunization
• Infectious diseases

References

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