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Diphtheria is an acute, bacterial disease caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheria bacterium. While it once was the leading cause of childhood death around the world, it is now preventable with vaccination.
Ensure your child's health with the Diphtheria vaccination - one of seven essential shots they need. Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, poses a significant risk, especially to young children.
Symptoms like sore throat, fever, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing can occur if infected. Early vaccination builds immunity, preventing your child from illness and discomfort. Talk to a pediatrician today to learn more about the 7-Star Protection program and ensure your child is completely immunized.
If you miss out the dose of these vaccinations during the stipulated time, you can consult with your doctor for a Catch-up Vaccination.
Talk to your doctor about the Diphtheria Vaccination.
An infection by Corynebacterium diphtheria bacteria causes Diphtheria. It primarily causes infection in the upper airways and the throat. The bacteria produce toxins which develops a layer of dead tissues over the throat and tonsils.
The patient may experience a sore throat and find it difficult to swallow or breathe. If not treated in time, it may prove fatal.
The diphtheria bacteria usually reside in the upper respiratory tract and can spread easily through respiratory droplets as well as through physical contact.
Coughing and sneezing are common ways of spreading the bacteria. One may also get infected by touching open sores and ulcers that are infected.
Diphtheria commonly affects the respiratory system. An infected person may start experiencing trouble in breathing and swallowing. The bacteria may also affect the skin.
As per CDC, some of the common symptoms of Diphtheria infection in the respiratory system include:
Apart from this, the bacteria may create toxins, leading to the formation of ‘pseudomembrane', which is a layer of dead tissue killed due to the bacteria, covering your throat and nose. If allowed to grow, the toxin may make its way into the bloodstream, causing damage to organs such as kidneys, heart, and nerves.
Another way the disease may show up is through open sores and ulcers on the skin.
Diphtheria vaccination, in combination with tetanus and pertussis, is recommended to protect children against Diphtheria, along with the other two diseases.
As per the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) vaccination is administered in three doses at the following ages:
Furthermore, booster doses are to be given at the ages of 16-18 months and 4-6 years.
Tdap (reduced antigen combined tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) at 10-12 years.
Booster doses (Tdap) are required for adults as well.
Please consult your paediatrician for more information.
However, consult your doctor for more information.
Some of the side effects of the diphtheria vaccination include:
Some of the more rare but severe side effects include seizures, brain damage, altered consciousness, and coma.
If you notice any such symptoms, consult your paediatrician immediately.
For more details on side effects, please consult your doctor.
If your child has experienced an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to any previous diphtheria-containing vaccination, it would be advisable to consult a doctor before their next diphtheria vaccination.
Diphtheria vaccinations are to be postponed in cases of acute severe febrile illness (fever that commonly persists for about a week). Inform your paediatrician in cases of allergies or illnesses following any vaccinations.
A public awareness initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India.
Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical queries, any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. The disease list indicated for vaccination is not complete, please consult your child’s Paediatrician for the complete vaccination schedule. The doctor shown in this material is being used for illustrative purpose only and is a professional model. The disease representation icons/images and animation are for illustrative purpose only.
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