Topic: Diphtheria and Immunisation
Description
Diphtheria is an infection of the throat and nose caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. Diphtheria can cause a membrane to grow around the inside of the throat which can lead to difficulty in swallowing, breathlessness and suffocation. Occasionally these bacteria can cause skin infections. Diphtheria has been very rare in Australia since the introduction of an effective vaccine, but a century ago diphtheria was the most common infectious cause of death. Outbreaks still occur in countries with low vaccination rates.
Practical Advice
Immunisation
Widespread immunisation against diphtheria is the only effective method of preventing the disease.
Immunisation against diphtheria is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the vaccine is available free for:
- children with doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and 4 years of age
- Year 10 students (booster).
The diphtheria vaccine for children is given as one injection combined with other childhood vaccines. It can be given at the same time as other immunisations recommended at this age.
In Queensland, Year 10 students are offered a booster (combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)) through their school as part of the School Based Vaccination Program. See the School Based Vaccination Program website for more information.
Immunisation to protect against diphtheria is also recommended, but not publicly funded, for adults 50 years and over who have not received a booster dose of diphtheria-tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years.
People travelling to countries where diphtheria is common should ensure their diphtheria immunisation is up to date.
It is important that your child receives all recommended doses of the vaccine at the recommended times, to ensure they are protected.
The vaccine
The diphtheria vaccine is available for adolescent/adults as a combined vaccine, either as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) or diphtheria-tetanus vaccine.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects may include fever, redness and soreness where the injection was given, nausea, headache, tiredness and aching muscles. More serious side effects are extremely rare and can include severe allergic reactions.
Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
Pre-vaccination checklist
This checklist helps your doctor/nurse decide about vaccinating you or your child.
Please tell your doctor/nurse if the person about to be vaccinated:
- is unwell today
- has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- has had a severe reaction following any vaccine
- has any severe allergies (to anything)
- has had any vaccine in the past month
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin, or received any blood products or a whole blood transfusion within the past year
- is pregnant
- has a past history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
- was a preterm infant
- has a chronic illness
- has a bleeding disorder.
A different vaccine schedule may be recommended if the person to be vaccinated:
- identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- does not have a functioning spleen
- is planning a pregnancy or anticipating parenthood
- is a parent, grandparent or carer of a newborn
- lives with someone who has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or lives with someone who is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
Care after vaccination
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice.
- Contact the service provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination.
Where can I be immunised?
You can be immunised at your local doctor or medical centre. Some councils, community child health and community health centres hold free immunisation clinics. Check with them for details.
Other Resources
For further information please contact:
- your doctor
- your nearest population health unit
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811.
Immunise Australia
A website about childhood immunisation produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Information about communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases.
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)
A website about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), produced by Medicare Australia.
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
School Based Vaccination Program dTpa vaccination - Year 10 students factsheet
School Based Vaccination Program website
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Ed).
Last updated: 21st April, 2009
Review Date: 23rd March, 2010
