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This page provides a brief summary of the disease and the vaccine that is available to prevent it. Links to more detailed information are provided at the bottom of the page.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a disease caused by bacteria called Cornebacterium Diphtheriae. These bacteria are found in the mouth, throat and nose of an infected person.
Diphtheria can lead to difficulty in swallowing, breathlessness and suffocation.
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How do people get diphtheria?
The bacteria that cause diphtheria are found in the mouth, throat and nose of an infected person. These bacteria are easily spread to others by coughing or sneezing of droplets of moisture into the air.
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How serious is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious illness. Of the people who get diphtheria 1 in 15 will die.
A powerful toxin (poison) is produced by diphtheria which damages organs and tissues through out the body. This may lead to complications such as paralysis, heart failure and death.
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What are the symptoms of diphtheria?
The first sign of diphtheria is usually a sore throat and finding it difficult to swallow.
Other common symptoms are a low grade fever, nausea, vomiting, headache and a fast heart rate.
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What are the complications?
Complications include
- Heart failure
- Paralysis
- Severe breathing problems
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Death.
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Is diphtheria vaccine safe?
Yes Diphtheria vaccine is safe.
Of the people who are immunised;
- 1 in 10 have redness and swelling where the injection was given or have a fever.
Serious side effects are very rare.
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How can diphtheria be prevented?
Diphtheria can be prevented by vaccination.
The diphtheria vaccine is given to children as part of the 6 in 1 vaccine
at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The 6 in 1 vaccine protects against Diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Hib (haemophilus Influenzae B) Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Polio and Tetanus.
Booster vaccine doses are given at 4-5 years of age (4 in 1 vaccine) which protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio and Tetanus and again between 11-14 years of age (Tdap vaccine) which protects against Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus.
If your child requires vaccination, or you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, contact your GP for advice.
It is very important to immunise against diphtheria as there has been a global re-emergence of Diphtheria because of falling immunisations.
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How does diphtheria vaccine work?
Diphtheria vaccine protects children by providing immunity to the toxin that causes the symptoms of the illness, rather that immunity to the bacteria itself. As it acts on the toxin, it is called a toxoid.
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How effective is the vaccine?
The full course of this vaccine offers good protection against diphtheria for 95% of people. People who have been immunised by diphtheria may still carry the bacteria in their throats. This means that, while they are protected they may still pass the bacteria on to people who have not been immunised and young babies.
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Where can I find out more?
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