Your personal government account (Hebrew)
Diphtheria Vaccine
Vaccine schedule
-
2 months
-
4 months
-
6 months
-
1 year
-
2nd grade
-
8th grade
The Disease
Diphtheria (also known as membranous croup) is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which colonizes the throat, pharynx, nose, and tonsils. An open sore develops at the site, where dead cells accumulate and form a type of pseudomembrane. The inflammation and swelling that develop around the membrane can cause suffocation. The bacterium produces a dangerous toxin that can spread and damage the heart, nervous system, and respiratory system, and can cause suffocation, permanent disability, and even death.
The disease spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or contact with nasal secretions and phlegm. Symptoms of diphtheria include a severe sore throat and high fever.
The Vaccine
The diphtheria vaccine is given as part of the 5-in-1 vaccine (DTaP-Hib-IPV), which also includes vaccines against tetanus, pertussis, polio (poliomyelitis), and Haemophilus influenzae type B, as part of the routine immunization schedule for infants and children. Currently, due to an increase in pertussis and polio cases, the first dose of the 5-in-1 vaccine is given earlier, at 6 weeks of age.
Additional doses of the diphtheria vaccine are given in grades 2 and 8 as part of the vaccinations given at school.
Separate vaccines are also available for situations in which there is sensitivity to one of the components of the combination vaccine. You can consult a Family Care Center nurse about the option or need to administer the vaccines separately for any reason.
| Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| Toxins secreted by the bacteria that are modified to prevent their harmful effects | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3, by injection into the arm |
Impact of the vaccine in Israel: In 1952, about 2,500 cases of diphtheria were reported. After vaccination against diphtheria began in the 1950s, the incidence of the disease declined, and the last case of diphtheria in Israel was reported in 2000.
Completing vaccination: If your child is school age and has not previously received the diphtheria vaccine, which is included in the routine immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to arrange for completion of the vaccination. In addition, the school health team will let you know if any vaccinations need to be completed and will help arrange them with your consent.
More information about completing routine vaccinations
Duration of Protection
The protection provided by the vaccine against the disease decreases over time, so a booster dose is required every 10 years to maintain protection. In the event of exposure to a person with diphtheria, vaccination may be needed 5 years after the last vaccination, based on medical judgment.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Some people who receive the 5-in-1 vaccine, which includes the diphtheria vaccine, may experience side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Generally feeling unwell: There may be loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, prolonged crying, diarrhea, restlessness, or drowsiness. You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Extensive swelling at the injection site or of the entire limb: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Seizures within 3 days of receiving the vaccine: Seizures are usually related to fever and are not dangerous, but it is important to seek medical evaluation.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Some people who receive the 5-in-1 vaccine, which includes the diphtheria vaccine, may experience side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
Common Side EffectsRare Side Effects
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Feeling generally unwell: There may be loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, prolonged crying, diarrhea, restlessness, or drowsiness. You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Extensive swelling at the injection site or of the entire limb: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Seizures within 3 days of receiving the vaccine: Seizures are usually associated with fever and are not dangerous, but it is important to seek medical evaluation.
When to Contact Your HMO or a Medical Hotline After Vaccination
- If your child seems apathetic.
- If the fever does not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If changes in appetite and eating patterns do not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur after vaccination, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.
If your child experienced any side effects after receiving the vaccine at school - please report them to the school nurse or the school's health care provider.