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What is a Diphtheria Vaccination?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The diphtheria vaccination is a shot or immunization given to prevent diphtheria, an illness that can be very serious in some individuals and that can result in death for some people. It’s a little complicated to discuss diphtheria vaccination alone because it is almost always given as a conjugate vaccine. This means it is given as part of a group of immunizations that protect against other diseases also, like tetanus and pertussis. Exactly what type of vaccine people receive tends to depend on their age, country in which they live and specific purpose vaccine is needed.

With all types of the diphtheria vaccination there is no risk of getting the disease. This vaccine is not prepared with live attenuated viruses. This doesn’t mean people will be totally free of side effects when given the vaccine, though it may be hard to tell what disease immunization is resulting in side effects.

A syringe used to administer a diphtheria vaccination.
A syringe used to administer a diphtheria vaccination.

Severe side effects from any of the diphtheria shots are extremely rare, but there can be minor reactions like fever, poor sleep and discomfort at the shot site. Though not occurring with great regularity, some children experience a high fever, or unremitting crying for several hours. In most cases, the risk for complications from diphtheria far exceeds those risks associated with complication from the vaccine.

The DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
The DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

The different types of diphtheria vaccination may be called diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDaP), or tetanus and diphtheria (Td). Another variant is the DTP. This complex labeling differentiates small details that may make one vaccine more appropriate than another at different times.

Most infants start out with receiving the DTaP and will get several booster shots of this in the first years of life. As children age, they might get the Td instead, which lacks the pertussis booster. Adults might also receive the Td even if they haven’t been previously immunized, or both groups may receive the TDaP. Another time people might get the Td is if they have a bad cut that puts them at risk for tetanus. With this shot, they receive an additional diphtheria vaccination, even it is largely unnecessary. Some doctors routinely vaccinate people with the Td every ten years because it is thought immunity to tetanus greatly diminishes at the ten-year point.

There are several types of vaccines for diphtheria, with each tailored to fit a specific vaccination need.
There are several types of vaccines for diphtheria, with each tailored to fit a specific vaccination need.

Most people are eligible to receive a diphtheria vaccination in all of its forms. Doctors might wait to immunize if people have illnesses present that are more serious than mild viruses or common colds. In extremely rare circumstances, people might have an allergic reaction to the vaccination, and this could mean they should not get any form of the diphtheria vaccination in the future. Allergic reaction usually wouldn’t occur on the first shot, but might occur with subsequent exposures and should be understood as very uncommon.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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    • A syringe used to administer a diphtheria vaccination.
      By: RTimages
      A syringe used to administer a diphtheria vaccination.
    • The DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
      By: oksun70
      The DTaP vaccination protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
    • There are several types of vaccines for diphtheria, with each tailored to fit a specific vaccination need.
      By: Tsuboya
      There are several types of vaccines for diphtheria, with each tailored to fit a specific vaccination need.
    • Parents should always be aware of a bad reaction to the DTaP vaccination.
      By: robyelo357
      Parents should always be aware of a bad reaction to the DTaP vaccination.
    • Most medical doctors believe that the benefits of vaccines, including the diphtheria vaccine, outweigh potential risks.
      By: Filip Ristevski
      Most medical doctors believe that the benefits of vaccines, including the diphtheria vaccine, outweigh potential risks.