Diphtheria

Image depicting diphtheria

What is it?

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that causes a sore throat, mild fever, and can completely block a person’s airway. Diphtheria can cause breathing and heart problems, coma, paralysis, and death. It is spread by coughing and sneezing.

What can I do?

The DTaP vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Kids should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years.

Is it safe?

Yes, DTaP vaccine is safe. Severe allergic reactions are rare and occur in about 1 in 1 million doses.

Vaccine 2
Months
4
Months
6
Months
12
Months
15
Months
18
Months
4-6
Years
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) DTaP* DTaP* DTaP* DTaP‡ DTaP*   DTaP*

 

Age >

Vaccine
2
months
4
months
6
months
12
months
15
months
18
months
4-6
years
Diphtheria, Tetanus,
Pertussis (whooping cough)
DTaP* DTaP* DTaP* DTaP‡ DTaP* DTaP*

 

* - Your child should get the vaccine at this age or age range. If he misses a dose, get it as soon as possible. ‡ - Your child can get the 4th dose of DTaP as early as age 12 months. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.