Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) — Content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (public domain).
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
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 coug** h** (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
State mandate information
Child care and elementary schools
Tdap booster requirements for secondary schools