Diphtheria Vaccine

Everything You Need to Know About the Diphtheria Vaccine

What is Diphtheria Vaccine?

Diphtheria vaccine is an important immunization that protects against a serious bacterial infection called diphtheria. Diphtheria is a contagious disease that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. It can cause difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.

The diphtheria vaccine is made from inactivated diphtheria toxin. It is usually given as a series of shots, starting at age 6 weeks. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it has helped to significantly reduce the incidence of diphtheria worldwide.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

All children and adults should get vaccinated against diphtheria. The vaccine is especially important for people who travel to countries where diphtheria is still common.

Pregnant women should also get vaccinated against diphtheria. This will help to protect their babies from the disease.

What are the Benefits of Getting Vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated against diphtheria has many benefits, including:

• Prevents diphtheria: The diphtheria vaccine is very effective at preventing diphtheria. In the United States, there have been no cases of diphtheria reported since 2003.
• Protects others: When you get vaccinated, you help to protect others from getting sick. This is especially important for people who are too young to be vaccinated or who have weakened immune systems.
• Saves lives: Diphtheria can be a fatal disease. The diphtheria vaccine has helped to save millions of lives worldwide.

What are the Risks of Getting Vaccinated?

The diphtheria vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually go away within a few days.

In rare cases, the diphtheria vaccine can cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, seizures, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, these side effects are very rare.

How Can I Get Vaccinated?

The diphtheria vaccine is available at most doctor's offices and clinics. You can also get vaccinated at your local health department.

The diphtheria vaccine is free for children under the age of 19. Adults may have to pay a small fee for the vaccine.