When was the diphtheria vaccine introduced? Explore the comprehensive history of diphtheria and the development of the vaccine that has almost eliminated this once-deadly disease in the United States.

Diphtheria’s Storied Past

Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection, has a long and complex history. It was not until the 19th century that the disease was finally identified and named. In 1613, a Spanish epidemic of the disease was recorded, and in 1735, it was referred to as “The Plague Among Children.” It was French physician Pierre Bretonneau who, in 1826, gave the disease its official name, “diphtheria,” derived from the Greek word for “leather” or “hide,” which describes the characteristic coating that appears in the throat of those affected.

Bretonneau also distinguished diphtheria from scarlet fever and recorded the first successful use of tracheotomy, a procedure involving cutting an opening in the trachea to allow passage of air and removal of secretions. Another French physician, Armand Trousseau, later showed a survival rate of about 25% in the tracheotomies he performed on diphtheria sufferers.

The Identification of the Diphtheria Bacterium

It was not until 1883 that the diphtheria bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, was finally identified. Two years later, in 1885, French scientists Émile Roux and Alexandre Yersin investigated the diphtheria bacterium and discovered that it secreted a powerful toxin, which was responsible for the disease’s devastating effects.

The Pursuit of a Diphtheria Vaccine

With the bacterium identified, the search for a vaccine began. In 1890, scientists developed an antitoxin that could neutralize the diphtheria toxin, but a vaccine remained elusive. In 1894, the New York City Board of Health took steps to ensure the purity and potency of diphtheria antitoxins sold in the city, as most of the antitoxin at the time came from two suppliers in Germany.

The development of a diphtheria vaccine took another crucial step forward in 1901 when the issue of antitoxin contamination was addressed, and in 1905, the phenomenon of “serum sickness” associated with the use of antitoxin was described.

The Breakthrough in Diphtheria Vaccination

The real breakthrough in diphtheria vaccination came in 1914 when William Hallock Park, a New York City public health official, discovered a way to produce a safe and effective diphtheria vaccine. Park’s work led to the launch of a large-scale diphtheria vaccination campaign in New York City in 1921, and soon, the insurance company Metropolitan Life joined the effort, donating $15,000 and using various tactics, including door-to-door polling, radio and print advertisements, essay contests, and parades, to spread the message of immunization.

The Modern Diphtheria Vaccine and Its Impact

With the development of a modern vaccine formulation, diphtheria, along with tetanus and pertussis, came under control in different countries. In 1974, the World Health Organization (WHO) advocated for the use of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, which became a standard part of childhood immunization programs worldwide.

The impact of the diphtheria vaccine was profound. In the United States, respiratory diphtheria has almost disappeared, with the CDC recording no cases since 2004. In fewer than 75 years, diphtheria, once the leading cause of premature death in children, was virtually eliminated in the United States.

Diphtheria Today and the Ongoing Fight

While diphtheria is now a rarity in the United States, the disease still poses a threat in other parts of the world. Outbreaks have occurred in the Russian Federation and other regions, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and vaccination efforts globally.

The remarkable journey of the diphtheria vaccine, from its early beginnings to its widespread adoption and impact, is a testament to the power of scientific research, public health initiatives, and the unwavering commitment to eradicating this once-deadly disease.

Diphtheria Symptoms and Transmission

Diphtheria is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which secrete a powerful toxin that damages body tissues. Early symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, loss of appetite, and fever. As the disease progresses, a thick gray substance called a pseudomembrane may form and spread over the nasal tissues, tonsils, larynx, and/or pharynx, potentially obstructing breathing.

Diphtheria is transmitted from person to person, usually via respiratory droplets. An infected person, unless treated with antibiotics, is infectious for two to three weeks.

Diphtheria Complications and Treatment

The diphtheria toxin can travel to the heart, muscles, kidneys, and liver, causing temporary or permanent damage to these organs. Complications from diphtheria may include myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle), neuritis (inflammation of nerves, which may contribute to nerve damage, paralysis, respiratory failure, and pneumonia), airway obstruction, and ear infection.

Treatment for diphtheria involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria, as well as antitoxin to neutralize the toxins secreted by the bacteria. Diphtheria patients are typically kept in isolation until they are no longer capable of infecting others, usually about 48 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.

Diphtheria | History of Vaccines

With a peak of over 200,000 cases in 1921, this bacterial infection is now a thing of the past in the United States.

Chapters

Chapter 1

Diphtheria in History

Not much was known about diphtheria until it was finally isolated and seen under a microscope.

1613

Spanish Epidemic

1735

The Plague Among Children

1826

Diphtheria Given Its Name

Diphtheria, which had previously been called by a variety of names, gained its official name from French physician Pierre Bretonneau (1778-1862), who called the disease diphtérite. The origin was the Greek word for “leather” or “hide,” which describes the coating that appears in the throat (that is, the pseudomembrane). Bretonneau also distinguished diphtheria from scarlet fever.

Bretonneau recorded the first successful use of tracheotomy in a case of diphtheria. This procedure, which had been used to treat other conditions, involves cutting an opening in the trachea and inserting a tube through the opening to allow passage of air and removal of secretions. Bretonneau had attempted the procedure several times before, but the patients died. Later, another French physician, Armand Trousseau (1801-1867), showed a survival rate of about 25% in the tracheotomies he performed on diphtheria sufferers.

1883

Bacterium Identified

1888

Roux and Yersin Investigate the Diphtheria Bacterium

Chapter 2

First Attempts at Diphtheria Vaccine

If a vaccine was not possible, perhaps an antitoxin might help?

1890

Antitoxin and Serum Therapy

December 4, 1894

New York City Regulates Antitoxin

The New York City Board of Health told the Health Department to devise a plan to ensure the purity and potency of diphtheria antitoxins sold in the city. At this point, most of the antitoxin came from two suppliers in Germany.

1901

Antitoxin Contamination

1905

Serum Sickness Described

1906

Lederle Produces Antitoxin

Chapter 3

A Diphtheria Vaccine Breakthrough

Once the bacterium was understood better, a vaccine was not far behind.

1914

Park’s Breakthrough

1921

Park’s Diphtheria Campaign

1926

The Metropolitan Life Diphtheria Campaign

Metropolitan Life, the insurance company, launched an anti-diphtheria campaign in New York. It donated $15,000 to the effort.

Louis Dublin, a Met Life statistician, estimated that childhood illnesses, including diphtheria, cost the American economy about $200,000,000 a year in lost parental wages and medical care.

Met Life used door-to-door polling, radio and print advertisements, essay contests, parades, and more to spread the immunization message.

1943

War Breeds Outbreaks

1954

Adult Immunization Changed

Chapter 4

The Modern Diphtheria Vaccine

With a modern vaccine formulation, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are brought under control in different countries.

1974

WHO Advocates DTP

1994

Diphtheria in the Russian Federation

2009

Diphtheria: No U. S. Cases for Five Years

Respiratory diphtheria has almost disappeared in the United States. Since 2004, the CDC has recorded no cases of respiratory diphtheria in the United States.

In fewer than 75 years, diphtheria, which was once the leading cause of premature death of children, was virtually eliminated in the United States.

Diphtheria | History of Vaccines

Symptoms and Causative Agent

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria secrete a powerful toxin that causes damage to body tissues.

Early symptoms of diphtheria are similar to a common cold. They include sore throat, loss of appetite, and fever. As the disease progresses, the most notable feature of diphtheria infection may emerge: a thick gray substance called a pseudomembrane may spread over the nasal tissues, tonsils, larynx, and/or pharynx.

The pseudomembrane is formed from waste products and proteins related to the toxin secreted by the bacteria. The pseudomembrane sticks to tissues and may obstruct breathing.

Transmission

Diphtheria is transmitted from person to person, usually via respiratory droplets. An infected person, unless treated with antibiotics, is infectious for two to three weeks. 

Treatment and Care

Diphtheria treatment involves antibiotics to kill the diphtheria bacteria, plus antitoxin to neutralize the toxins secreted by the bacteria. Diphtheria patients are usually kept in isolation until they are no longer capable of infecting others, usually about 48 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.

Complications

The diphtheria toxin may travel to the heart, muscle, kidneys, and liver, where it may temporarily or permanently damage these organs. Complications from diphtheria may include myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle), neuritis (inflammation of nerves, which may contribute to nerve damage, paralysis, respiratory failure, and pneumonia), airway obstruction, and ear infection.

Diphtheria once was a major cause of illness and death among children. The United States recorded a high of 206,000 cases of diphtheria in 1921, resulting in 15,520 deaths (a case-fatality ratio of 7.5%). Diphtheria case fatality rates range from about 20% for those under age five and over age 40, to 5-10% for those aged 5-40 years. Diphtheria was the third leading cause of death in children in England and Wales in the 1930s. Diphtheria is rare in the United States today. Between 2004 and 2011, no cases of diphtheria were reported to public health officials. One case was provisionally reported in 2012. Two cases were reported in 2019, the latest year for which data are available.

Available Vaccines and Vaccination Campaigns

Immunization for diphtheria is accomplished with a toxoid (a modified version of the diphtheria toxin). Diphtheria toxoid is not given as a single injection, but rather is combined with tetanus toxoid and, often, pertussis vaccine in a preparation called Tdap, DTaP, Td, or DT.

Since the introduction of effective immunization in the 1920s, diphtheria rates have dropped dramatically in the United States and other countries that vaccinate widely. In 1974, the reach of diphtheria immunization expanded when the World Health Organization included diphtheria toxoid in its list of recommended immunizations for its Expanded Programme on Immunization for developing countries.

Between 2004 and 2008, no cases of diphtheria were recorded in the United States. However, the disease continues to play a role globally. In 2007, 4,190 cases of diphtheria were reported worldwide, which is likely an underestimate of the actual number of cases.

U.S. Vaccination Recommendations

The current U.S. childhood immunization schedule for diphtheria includes five diphtheria toxoid immunizations before age six years, plus one booster dose for adolescents. All diphtheria immunizations for children are given in an injection combined with tetanus toxoid and pertussis vaccine (known as DTaP).

Adults receive diphtheria toxoid in combination with a tetanus toxoid booster, which is recommended every ten years. The adult product can protect against tetanus and diphtheria (a vaccine known as Td) or tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (a vaccine known as Tdap).

More Information

For more information on diphtheria and its history, see the Diphtheria Timeline.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Diphtheria. Atkinson, W., Wolfe, S., Hamborsky, J., McIntyre, L., eds. 13th ed. Washington DC: Public Health Foundation, 2015. (379 KB). Accessed 01/17/2018.
• WHO, Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Diphtheria. Accessed 01/17/2018.

Last update 9 April 2022

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTP) and against polio

At 3 months, vaccination against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis begins. In the National Calendar, protection against these infections was introduced in 1953, and against tetanus since 1966. The following vaccines are used for vaccination:

– DPT is an adsorbed combined vaccine that contains a killed whole pertussis bacillus (which is why it is also called whole cell), toxoid (neutralized toxin) diphtheria and tetanus toxoid. This is a Russian vaccine (Microgen) and its use has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus and markedly reduced the number of whooping cough cases.

The only thing that many parents do not like is the rise in temperature on the first day – this is a variant of a normal reaction to vaccination, as the cells of the immune system begin to work actively in response to contact with fragments of whooping cough.

But vaccine prophylaxis is constantly being improved, and acellular (or acellular) vaccines are currently being produced. These vaccines contain only 2 or 3 pertussis antigens, they do not contain a whole pertussis bacillus (up to 3000 pertussis antigens). But today, such vaccines are only foreign-made. Several similar vaccines are registered in Russia:

– the first vaccine registered in Russia in the early 2000s – Infanrix (GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium). The vaccine contains 3 pertussis antigens, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids.

– Infanrix hexa vaccine (GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium) was registered a little later. In addition to the composition of the previous vaccine, it also contains an inactivated vaccine against polio, hepatitis B and the Hiberix vaccine (against Haemophilus influenzae, which is the cause of complications in acute respiratory viral infections in young children).

– Pentaxim (Sanofi, France), registered and successfully used in Russia since 2008. In its combination, this vaccine also contains an inactivated (killed) polio vaccine, a vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae.

The revision of the main order for vaccination within the framework of the National Calendar N125n dated April 13, 2017 has the following additions – children at risk for vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae and the full course of vaccination with inactivated polio vaccine are identified:

• Immunocompromised;
• With anatomical defects leading to a sharply increased risk of haemophilus influenzae;
• With malformations of the intestines;
• With cancer and/or long-term immunosuppressive therapy;
• born to mothers with HIV infection;
• In orphanages;
• Premature and small babies.

Vaccination and revaccination of children at risk can be carried out with immunobiological drugs for the immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases containing combinations of vaccines (for example, Pentaxim) intended for use in the appropriate age periods (edition of the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation N 175n of 04/13/2017) .

Children who are not included in the risk group can, at the request of their parents, be vaccinated with acellular preparations for vaccination against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus for a fee. Information in this case can be obtained from the local pediatrician.

There may be other options for vaccinating children, depending on the possibilities of the regional budget.

In 2016, the vaccine Adasel (Sanofi, France) was registered in Russia, it also does not contain a whole pertussis bacillus, and the content of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids in the composition is less than in other preparations. This vaccine is mainly intended for revaccination of children over 4 years of age and adults (after 14 years it is possible every 10 years), since immunity against whooping cough is short-lived.

For children who are not vaccinated on time and are over 4 years of age, according to the National calendar, they are vaccinated only against diphtheria and tetanus (DTP vaccination with the drug is carried out up to 4 years, with Infanrix hexa up to 36 months), but vaccination can be performed at the request of the parents and drugs Pentaxim and Infanrix, as they have no age restrictions.

For vaccination against polio there are also changes in the National calendar since 2014.

Previously, live attenuated Sabin vaccine was used for mass vaccination since 1958-59 (it contained 3 vaccine strains of poliovirus), then to prevent vaccine-associated poliomyelitis in vaccinated and contact unvaccinated since 2014, the vaccination scheme has changed:

-V1 and V2 All children receive an inactivated vaccine at 3 months. and at 4.5 months,

-V3 at 6 months. and subsequent revaccinations at 1 g for 6 months, 1 g for 8 months. and at the age of 14 they receive the OPV oral polio vaccine, and since the spring of 2017 OPV contains only 2 strains of vaccination viruses – I and III – BiVac polio (FNCIRIP named after Chumakov, Russia).

Inactivated vaccines registered in Russia:

• Imovax Polio (Sanofi, France) – currently used as part of the combined Pentaxim vaccine,
• Poliorix (GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium) – currently used as part of the combined vaccine Infanrix hexa,
• Polymilex (Nanolek, Russia) – used for V1 and V2 against poliomyelitis since spring 2017.

Diphtheria – is a serious infection affecting both adults and children. The cause of the infection is a diphtheria bacillus, which is transmitted by airborne droplets, sometimes through common toys, household items. Diphtheria affects the nose, pharynx, larynx, less often – the skin, eyes. The patient develops films in the pharynx, which can spread to the nose and larynx and block breathing. In children under one year old, films immediately pass to the larynx, vocal cords, croup appears (laryngeal edema). In these cases, urgent measures are required, otherwise the person will suffocate. In addition, diphtheria is fraught with serious complications – damage to the heart, kidneys, nervous system. It is possible to avoid the disease only with timely vaccination. Vaccination protects against the toxin produced by the diphtheria bacterium, which causes all life-threatening conditions.

People who are vaccinated do not get severe, dangerous forms of diphtheria. They may develop a sore throat, but it is not life threatening.

Tetanus (tetanus ) is an acute infection with damage to the nervous system caused by a toxin that tetanus bacillus releases when it enters a wound from the ground. Tetanus is extremely severe and can develop at any age. The toxin affects the nervous system, causing muscle spasms and convulsions. Mortality with tetanus reaches 90%. Immunity during vaccination is formed against the toxin, as in diphtheria.

Whooping cough is a disease with a special lesion of the respiratory system, characterized by paroxysmal “spasmodic” cough. The child “comes in” in a cough until vomiting, reddening of the face and the appearance of small hemorrhages on the face, sclera of the eyes. Coughing attacks are especially disturbing at night and in the morning Whooping cough is dangerous with complications – pneumonia, and in young children – death due to apnea – respiratory arrest, convulsions and brain damage due to oxygen starvation

Polio – caused by three types of polio viruses, transmitted with water and food. As a rule, they do not die from polio, but paralysis or paresis can remain, more often than one leg, in which the limb gradually loses weight and shortens, and the child either limps heavily or cannot move at all without support. Sometimes paralysis of the respiratory muscles develops and a person cannot breathe without the help of special devices.

DTP and inactivated polio vaccines are given intramuscularly in the anterolateral thigh.

Vaccination plan.

DTP and polio vaccination starts at 3 months. After vaccination and DPT revaccination (see below), according to the vaccination schedule, adults are revaccinated every 10 years (ADS-M vaccine).

Vaccination of children according to the vaccination schedule:

Side effects.

DTP vaccine causes moderate side effects: slight fever on the first day; moderate soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site may occur with V 3 or R 1. An increase in body temperature (usually not higher than 37.5 C) and slight malaise can also be observed within 1-2 days after vaccination, rarely (up to 4% may be rise t above 38). At t above 38.5, it is necessary to give antipyretic drugs at home on the recommendation of a doctor paracetamol or ibuprofen. In the event of a repeated rise in t or an insufficient response to antipyretic drugs, you need to call a pediatrician or an ambulance and the doctor will prescribe the amount of necessary therapy. Wiping with vodka or alcohol is not recommended.

Children who are prone to allergic reactions may develop a rash, so the pediatrician may prescribe antiallergic drugs before and after vaccination.

Serious complications from DPT-immunization are rare; they occur in less than one percent of cases. It can be convulsions against a background of high fever, so it is recommended that children with a possible reaction be vaccinated against the background of antipyretics (paracetamol or ibuprofen).

In order to reduce the number of side effects on the whole cell DTP vaccine, it can be replaced with a combined analogue (Pentaxim, Infanrix vaccine), in which the whole cell pertussis component (up to 3000 antigens) is replaced by a cell-free version (2-3 antigens), which is practically does not cause adverse reactions. In addition, combined vaccines significantly reduce the injection load and reduce the total dose of additional substances (vaccine stabilizers, preservatives).

After vaccination with whooping cough, immunity is short-term and after 5-7 years you can get whooping cough. For revaccination at 7 years, 14 years and beyond for 10 years, Adasel vaccine can be used. The only thing is that vaccinated people can get sick in a more erased form – bronchitis or pneumonia may sound in the diagnosis, there may not be characteristic bouts of spasmodic cough, but for the unvaccinated, such a patient is a source of infection.

Diphtheria vaccination

Check the availability of vaccines with the administrators of the clinic.

Vaccination against diphtheria refers to vaccination included in the National Immunization Schedule of the Russian Federation. Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease that affects people of any age, but in children it is severe. Before mass vaccination, every second child died from diphtheria, and today the mortality rate in unvaccinated cases is still 5%. Diphtheria entails very serious consequences for the whole organism. That is why parents should think about prevention in advance and vaccinate their children and themselves in a timely manner.

Basic information about diphtheria

Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease that affects the nasopharynx and, in some cases, other organs. Pathology is transmitted by airborne droplets and is most common in regions with a hot climate. The causative agents of diphtheria secrete a specific toxin that causes intoxication and determines the severity of the disease. Pathology is fraught with the development of dangerous complications and is not treated with antibiotics. The main symptoms are shown in the table.

Manifestations of a dangerous infection depending on the form

Diphtheria toxoid is used for therapy. Without its introduction, the disease goes away on its own only in rare cases when it has a local form. The best option to prevent the spread of pathology is a vaccination against diphtheria. Preventive vaccination of adults and children is carried out in accordance with the calendar.

When to immunize?

Vaccination against diphtheria begins at an early age. The first vaccination against diphtheria is given to children at the age of 3 months, and then at intervals of 45 days: at 4.5 and 6 months. The next important stage – revaccination – is carried out at 1.5 years, at 7 and 14 years. Further, revaccination is strongly recommended for adults every 10 years, since immunity, even after an infection, fades over time, and the risk of getting sick again increases. If for some reason a person was not vaccinated in early childhood, then he can do it at any age. This measure helps to minimize the risk of infection and prevent complications. Immunization in adulthood is especially important for child care workers, healthcare workers, food and catering workers.

The diphtheria vaccine is administered in accordance with the Immunization Schedule or according to an individually developed plan. A pediatrician, therapist or immunologist at the Miracle Doctor clinic will help you decide on the choice of the drug, taking into account previous vaccinations.

Vaccines

Diphtheria vaccines contain the main component that forms the body’s immune response, but does not cause disease – diphtheria toxoid. To date, combination vaccines are effective. They contribute to the development of strong immunity to several infectious diseases at once. The combination of diphtheria toxoid and other components in such vaccines is immunologically justified and favorable. Due to this, the number of injections is reduced, and the effectiveness of immunization becomes higher.

• DTP (pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus vaccine). It is the standard vaccine given to children from infancy. It consists of inactivated cells of the causative agent of whooping cough, toxoids of diphtheria bacillus and tetanus.
• ADS (diphtheria and tetanus vaccine). The drug belongs to the bivalent, as it successfully copes with immunization against two infections and is used for revaccination. This immunobiological preparation is used for children who have already had whooping cough or the DTP vaccine is contraindicated for them for one reason or another.
• ADS-M (diphtheria and tetanus vaccine). Children over 6 years of age and adults need a smaller dose of toxoids for the same development of strong immunity, and the vaccine is better tolerated due to this.

The appearance of imported polyvalent (multicomponent) vaccines makes it possible to effectively and safely vaccinate children against dangerous infections, including diphtheria. Diphtheria toxoid is part of the vaccines Pentaxim, Infanrix, Infanrix Hexa, Adasel.

A pediatrician, internist or immunologist at the appointment can explain in detail the differences and benefits of different combination vaccines and schedule immunizations against diphtheria and other infectious diseases.

Preparation

All types of vaccines, both domestic and imported, containing diphtheria toxoid, are administered intramuscularly. Before vaccination, it is not recommended to introduce new complementary foods into the diet, as well as visit crowded places.

The doctor at the appointment will tell you about all the features and limitations of the course of the post-vaccination period. The clinic “Miracle Doctor” provides immunization against diphtheria with a preliminary examination of a specialist with vaccines from leading foreign manufacturers.

Sign up for a consultation by phone and on the clinic’s website.

Possible complications after vaccination

In general, routine vaccinations are well tolerated. The introduction of the diphtheria vaccine is no exception. Possible side effects depend on the state of immunity and the age of the person who received the vaccine. Vaccine components rarely cause complications in adults, unless the rules for its use are violated. Among the possible adverse reactions:

• increase in body temperature up to 37-38 degrees for a short period;

• decreased performance and fatigue;

• appearance of induration after injection;

• redness at the injection site.

Separately, we consider reactions to vaccination against diphtheria in children. Probable:

• swelling or induration at the injection site;

• temperature increase;

• loss of appetite;

• irritability, tearfulness;

• drowsiness, sleep disorders.

After prophylactic vaccination, the child is not bathed for 1-2 days. Reactions pass on their own and do not require medical intervention. If you find signs of allergies or other atypical reactions, you should consult a doctor.

Should you get vaccinated as an adult?

Diphtheria prophylaxis is given to both children and adults. The disease is dangerous for the adult population, therefore, it requires revaccination every 10 years. This also applies to those who have previously had an infection, because stable immunity is not formed after an illness. Adults are prescribed prophylactic vaccinations against diphtheria of a weakened type, mainly combined – effective against the causative agent of tetanus. They are called ADS-M, may have other designations – “DT” and “Td”.

At age 7, patients are given reduced doses of the vaccine labeled “Tdap”. They are also recommended for women during the period of bearing a child for a period of 26–37 weeks. For adults, the administration of the drug is voluntary, with the exception of specialties with a high probability of infection. These include employees of kindergartens, teachers, medical personnel. Failure to immunize leads to an increase in morbidity and increases mortality in the region.

Contraindications

Before routine vaccination against diphtheria, a doctor’s appointment is mandatory. Use of DTP vaccinations prohibited:

• if there are signs of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections or chronic diseases at the acute stage;

• there is an enzyme deficiency;

• neurological abnormalities;

• congenital and acquired heart defects;

• oncological and autoimmune diseases;

• progressive encephalopathy;

• hypersensitivity to ADS vaccination;

• fever;

• immunodeficiency;

• convulsive syndrome;

• pregnancy up to 12 weeks.

Adults are not vaccinated against diphtheria during the postoperative period. Babies under 12 months old should not be given the drug for intestinal colic, jaundice, diathesis, CNS disorders and colds.

Diphtheria vaccination rules

The dose of the drug is administered strictly intramuscularly in the buttock or front of the thigh. In order to minimize side effects, subcutaneous administration is prohibited. It is strictly forbidden to vaccinate intravenously. When injecting intramuscularly, it is important to ensure that the needle is not in a blood vessel.

Answers to frequently asked questions

What is diphtheria serum?

This is an injectable solution based on purified blood components with the addition of diphtheria toxoid. The components of the drug do not have a toxic effect, but contribute to the formation of immunity to a dangerous disease.

What diphtheria vaccine is given to children?

DTP vaccine used in childhood.