Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is easily transmitted and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to get a diphtheria vaccine that can effectively protect the body from the disease. The diphtheria vaccine is usually given in combination with other disease vaccines, namely tetanus and pertussis (Tdap vaccine), or with tetanus alone (Td vaccine).
The Centers for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) recommends diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines for everyone, including children, adults, and the elderly. The goal is to prevent these three dangerous diseases. However, these vaccines cannot be given at any time, but there are recommended times for each age group.
The Right Time to Get a Diphtheria Vaccine
The diphtheria vaccine given to infants and children under 7 years of age is DTaP or DT, while older children and adults can get the diphtheria vaccine in the form of Tdap and Td.
The following is the time for administering the diphtheria vaccine based on age group:
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Babies and Children
Babies need three DTaP shots to build high levels of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The first three shots can be given when the child is 2 months old, 4 months ol,d and 6 months old.
Then, children need 2 more booster shots to maintain the protection throughout childhood. The first booster diphtheria vaccine can be given to children when they are 15-18 months old, while the last shot can be given when the child is between 4-6 years old.
For children who cannot get the pertussis vaccine, doctors may give the DT vaccine instead of DTaP. For example, in children who have had a very bad reaction to DTaP. However, it is important to note that children who only receive the DT vaccine do not have protection against whooping cough or pertussis.
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Pre-teens and Teenagers
Pre-teens should get one Tdap shot between ages 11 and 12 to boost their immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Teens who haven’t gotten the Tdap vaccine as pre-teens are encouraged to get one shot when they see their doctor.
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Pregnant women
Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine early in the third trimester of pregnancy. By doing so, the mother helps protect the baby from pertussis during the first few months of life.
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Adults
All adults who have never received a diphtheria vaccine should get a Tdap shot. It can be given at any time, regardless of when you last got Td. After that, you should get a Td or Tdap vaccine every 10 years.
Talk to your doctor if you want to ask more about the diphtheria vaccine or if you are unsure about the status of the diphtheria vaccine you have received.
Beware of Side Effects
There are some side effects that children may experience after receiving the DTaP vaccine, including mild fever, fussiness, drowsiness, or pain at the injection site. Ask your doctor about treatments that can be done to minimize or relieve these side effects.
In rare cases, the DTaP vaccine can also cause serious but treatable complications in children, such as allergic reactions (hives or rash) that develop within minutes of the shot.
Meanwhile, the side effects of diphtheria vaccination that can occur in adults include:
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site.
- Low fever and chills.
- Headache and body aches.
- Feeling tired.
- Stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea.
