Diphtheria Vaccine
Vaccination schedule
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2 months
-
4 months
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6 months
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1 year
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2nd grade
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8th grade
The disease
Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which infects the throat, pharynx, nose, and tonsils. This leads to the development of an open sore, on which dead cells accumulate, forming a pseudo-membrane. The inflammation and swelling developing around the membrane can cause suffocation. The bacterium produces a dangerous toxin that may spread to the heart, nervous system, and respiratory system, which may result in suffocation, permanent disability, and even death.
The disease is typically transmitted from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or contact with nasal discharge and phlegm. Diphtheria symptoms include a severe throat ache and high fever.
The vaccine
The diphtheria vaccine is administered as part of the DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccine, which also contains vaccines against tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib), as part of a routine vaccination program for infants and children. Currently, due to an increase in cases of pertussis and polio, the first dose of the DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccine is now given at 6 weeks old.
In the 2nd and 8th grades, additional doses are administered as part the vaccines given in school.
There are also separate vaccines for individuals with sensitivity to any of the vaccine's components. You can discuss the possibility of dividing the vaccination with the Family Care Center (Tipat Halav) nurse.
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
|
Toxins produced by the bacterium, which are alternated to prevent their harmful effect |
Until the age of 3 - by injection to the thigh; from the age of 3 - by injection to the arm |
The influence of the vaccine in Israel: in 1952, 2,500 cases of diphtheria were reported in Israel. After starting to vaccinate against diphtheria in the 1950s, morbidity has reduced, and the last case of diphtheria in Israel was reported in the year 2000.
Vaccine completion: if your child is in school age and has not been given a diphtheria vaccine, which is included in the birth to 18 years immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to schedule the vaccine completion. In addition, the health staff of the school will inform you of complementary vaccines your child needs and help you schedule them with your consent.
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
Some people may experience side effects after getting the DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccine, but these are usually mild and go away on their own after a day or two:
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Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
Fever -
General discomfort -
Extremely rare phenomena
- Redness and pain at the injection site and local swelling or in the entire limb: you can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- Fever: you can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain and reduce fever.
- General discomfort: lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, consistent crying, diarrhea, restlessness, drowsiness: You can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain and reduce fever.
- Rare phenomena: seizures appearing up to three days after vaccination. These seizures are usually related to the fever and are not considered dangerous or cause permanent nerve damage.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If a fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- In case of seizures (often related to fever but should be examined).
- If there are persistent changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- If any other phenomenon causes concern.
If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school - please inform the school nurse.