Diphtheria

Formerly known as ‘croup’, diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through secretions from the nose and throat. This disease affects the respiratory tract and can lead to suffocation and asphyxia. The diphtheria bacterium also produces toxins that attack the heart muscle and nervous system.

Vaccination provides complete protection against diphtheria. However, as this protection is not permanent, booster shots are necessary throughout life.

Vaccination schedule

• Vaccination: 2 months, 4 months, 11 months
• Booster: 5-6 years and 15-16 years, then every 10 years

The vaccine (D or d) is injectable and most often administered as a combination vaccine combining vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Hib, polio, and hepatitis B (D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, HepB).

The first dose is recommended for children aged 2 months.

This is followed by a second dose at 4 months and a third dose at 11 months. Booster doses are then administered at 5-6 years and 15-16 years, then every 10 years. From the age of 5-6 years, the vaccine is given in a lower dose (d).