Diphtheria vaccine
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a disease of bacterial origin, mainly affecting the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as pharyngitis and laryngitis, leading to death in severe cases. In tropical countries it also appears in a cutaneous form, causing ulcers.
The importance of prevention
Vaccine is the best tool to protect against a disease that used to be a leading cause of infant mortality, with lethality rates of 5-10% and up to 20% in children under 5 and adults over 40.
The vaccine
Trade name:
Diftavax (tetanus/diphtheria)
Boostrix (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis)
Polioboostrix / Tetravax (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis/polioomyelitis)
Infanrix / Hexyon (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus/polio/hepatitis b/hemophilus b)
The National Vaccination Plan calls for the administration of 3 doses at 3, 5, and 11 months of age, with a first booster dose at 6 years of age that is an integral part of primary immunization. This is followed by booster doses every 10 years.
The vaccine is composed of thepurified diphtheria anatoxin.
It is administered intramuscularly
The most common side effects are injection site pain and redness, malaise, fever, headache, muscle pain, drowsiness, and irritability.
Vaccination should be postponed if a high fever is present. It should be avoided if severe allergic reactions to the vaccine or any of its components have occurred in the past.
Your safety and health are at the heart of our commitment. You can always count on the experience and expertise of the Ambimed team.
Need more information or assistance with booking? Call your dedicated assistant on
02 87399117
The information presented is general in nature, is published for general audiences and is not a substitute for the relationship between patient and physician.