Prevention of Diphtheria

Diphtheria can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. Most people receive their first dose as children in the form of a combined vaccine called DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis). A child should have received four DTP shots by 18 months of age, with a booster shot at age 4 years to 6 years. After that, diphtheria and tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years to provide continued protection.

Although most children tolerate it well, the vaccine sometimes causes mild side effects such as:

• Soreness
• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Slight fever
• Allergic reaction
• Sometimes a neurological condition.

The latest version of DTP vaccine is known as the DTP vaccine.