Diphtheria
Diphtheria is spread by coughing and sneezing. It causes a sore throat,
low-grade fever, and can completely clog a person's airway. Diphtheria can
cause breathing and heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death.
Symptoms include:
- The gradual onset of a sore throat.
- A low-grade fever.
- Weakness.
- Enlarged lymph nodes of the neck.
Scientific Term:
Diphtheria
Generic Term:
Diphtheria
Age Groups at Risk:
All
Fact Sheets:
Vaccine Info:
- Ages 0-7: DTaP or
DT
Children should be immunized in the first 18 months of life with a four-shot series of the combination
vaccine, DTaP, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Children who receive all four doses before their
fourth birthday should receive a fifth dose before entering kindergarten or
elementary school. The fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was
given on or after the fourth birthday. This combination vaccine is not given
to individuals over age seven years.
DT is available for children under seven years who cannot tolerate the
pertussis (whooping cough) component.
- Ages 10 and Up: Tdap or
Td
One dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents
aged 11 or 12 years in place of one Td booster. Children in Grades 6
or 7, who are at least 11 years old, are required to show proof of Tdap
vaccination if it has been 5 years since they received a tetanus-containing
vaccine (DTaP, DT, or Td). One dose of Tdap is also recommended for older
adolescents aged 13-18 years and adults aged 19 through 64 years.
Vaccine Information Statements:
There is no separate Vaccine Information Statement for
combination vaccines.
Related Information:
Last Update:
08/26/2008 01:51 PM
