CDC · Health advisory ·
CDC guidance on diphtheria vaccination
The CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for people of all ages to help protect against diphtheria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends diphtheria vaccination for people of all ages. Diphtheria vaccines are the best way to protect against diphtheria and are very effective.
Diphtheria is caused by a bacterial disease. The CDC says diphtheria toxin kills healthy tissues and can lead to many serious health problems. Vaccination helps protect against diphtheria.
The CDC says talk with a vaccine provider if you have questions. Discuss allergies or past reactions, and tell the provider about nervous system problems or Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and about severe pain or swelling after a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine.
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible. Seek advice from a vaccine provider if you are unsure whether vaccination is right for you.
What to do
- Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about diphtheria vaccines.
- A vaccine provider should advise if you have a life-threatening allergic reaction after a vaccine(s) or a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine(s).
- Discuss with a vaccine provider if you or your child had encephalopathy within 7 days of receiving DTaP or Tdap.
What we explain about this
DiphtheriaDiphtheria is a bacterial infection that can damage the airways, heart, and nerves through a harmful toxin.Immune thrombocytopenic purpuraAn immune condition that lowers the number of blood-clotting platelets and can cause bruising or bleeding.MyocarditisMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle that can affect its pumping or electrical rhythm.