Diphtheria Vaccination

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.
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Overview

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Graphic depicting young children, preteens, and adults, all of which need diphtheria vaccines.
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 cough (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

Diphtheria

Tetanus

Whooping cough

State mandate information

Child care and elementary schools

Tdap booster requirements for secondary schools

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD); Division of Bacterial Diseases