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        Diphtheria
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              For Everyone
                  * About
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                  * Vaccination
                  * View All Home
              Health Care Providers
                  * Clinical Overview
                  * Clinical Guidance
                  * Clinical Features
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        View All Diphtheria
    About Symptoms and Complications Vaccination View All
June 26, 2024
  Diphtheria Vaccination
          Key points
            * CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for everyone.
            * Diphtheria vaccines are the best way to protect against diphtheria and are very effective.
            * Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about diphtheria vaccines.
        Overview
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          CDC recommends diphtheria vaccines for people of all ages.
        There are 3 types of combination vaccines that include protection against diphtheria:
          * DTaP
          * Td
          * Tdap
        The letter "T" in DTaP and Tdap shows they also help protect against tetanus. The letter "P/p" in DTaP and Tdap shows they also help protect against whooping cough (pertussis).
          Keep Reading: Types of Diphtheria Vaccines
        Why getting vaccinated is important
        Diphtheria toxin kills healthy tissues and can cause many serious health problems. Diphtheria vaccines help protect against diphtheria.
          Keep Reading: About Diphtheria
        Who should and shouldn't get the vaccine
        Vaccine recommendations
        CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for
          * Babies and children
          * Preteens and teens
          * Women who are pregnant (to prevent whooping cough in newborns)
          * Adults
          Keep Reading: Diphtheria Vaccine Recommendations
        Allergies, reactions: Talk with a vaccine provider
        Talk to a vaccine provider about your vaccination history and a specific vaccine's ingredients. There may be times when someone shouldn't get DTaP, Td, or Tdap, like if they:
          * Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the vaccine(s)
          * Have a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine(s)
        Additionally, discuss with a vaccine provider if a different vaccine other than DTaP or Tdap should be used. A vaccine provider may recommend a different vaccine if someone experienced encephalopathy within 7 days of receiving DTaP or Tdap. Encephalopathy is a brain disease that alters how the brain functions.
          Feeling sick?
              Generally, vaccination is fine during mild illnesses like a cold. A vaccine provider can advise on whether to get vaccinated or wait until you feel better.
        Other guidelines
        Tell the vaccine provider if you or your child:
          * Has seizures or another nervous system problem
          * Has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (also called "GBS")
          * Had severe pain or swelling after a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine
        How well they work
        Vaccines that help protect against diphtheria work well but can't prevent all cases.
          Keep Reading: How Well Diphtheria Vaccines Work
        Possible side effects
        Most people who get a vaccine that helps protect against diphtheria don't have any serious problems. With any medicine, including vaccines, there's a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.
                DTaP vaccine
                  * Swelling or soreness where the vaccine provider gave the vaccine
                  * Fever
                  * Irritability (fussiness)
                  * Feeling tired
                  * Loss of appetite
                  * Vomiting
                Td and Tdap vaccines
                  * Pain, redness, or swelling where the vaccine provider gave the vaccine
                  * Mild fever
                  * Headache
                  * Feeling tired
                  * Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache
        More serious reactions
        More serious reactions after DTaP vaccination happen much less often than mild problems. They can include:
          * Seizures
          * Non-stop crying for 3 hours or more
          * High fever (over 105°F)
        Rarely, DTaP vaccination is followed by swelling of the entire arm or leg. While rare, if it happens it's usually in older children when they receive their fourth or fifth shot.
          Keep Reading: Safety Information for Diphtheria Vaccines
        Finding and paying for vaccines
        Vaccination locations
        Children and teens
        DTaP and Tdap are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule and regularly available for children at:
          * Pediatric and family practice offices
          * Community health clinics
          * Public health departments
        Adults
        For adults, a healthcare provider's office or pharmacy are usually the best places to receive recommended vaccines. If your healthcare provider doesn't have Td or Tdap vaccines, ask for a referral.
        Federally funded health centers can also provide services if you don't have a regular source of health care. Locate one near you.
        You can also contact your health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
        Vaccine costs
        There are several ways to cover the cost of DTaP, Td, and Tdap vaccines:
        Private health insurance
        Most private health insurance plans cover this vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.
        Vaccines for Children program
        The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.
        Resources
        Vaccine schedules
        Parent-friendly schedule for children (birth through 6 years)
        Parent-friendly schedule for children (7 through 18 years)
        Easy-to-read schedule for adults (19 years and older)
        Vaccine Information Statements
        DTaP: English | Other languages
        Td: English | Other languages
        Tdap: English | Other languages
        Educational Materials
        Diphtheria
        Tetanus
        Whooping cough
        State mandate information
        Child care and elementary schools
        Tdap booster requirements for secondary schools
        On This Page
            * Overview
            * Why getting vaccinated is important
            * Who should and shouldn't get the vaccine
            * How well they work
            * Possible side effects
            * Finding and paying for vaccines
            * Resources
  June 26, 2024
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          Content Source:
        National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD); Division of Bacterial Diseases
    Diphtheria
    Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that's uncommon in the United States and usually associated with international travel.
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        For Everyone
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            * Clinical Overview
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          Public Health
            * Lab Testing
            * Surveillance and Trends
            * Pertussis and Diphtheria Lab
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