What you need to know about the Diphtheria Vaccine

When you look at your baby's vaccination card, you may have seen names like DTaP and Tdap. One of the main diseases that these vaccines protect against is diphtheria. You may not have heard much about this disease. The reason for this is that today, thanks to these vaccines, this disease is very rare in our country. However, that does not mean that we should not be concerned about it. So today, let's talk about what this diphtheria vaccine is and why it is so important for us and our children.

What is diphtheria? Why is the vaccine so important?

Simply put, diphtheria is a bacterial infection. It mainly affects our nose and throat. It causes a thick, gray coating to form on the throat and tonsils . This can make it very difficult to breathe.

Think about it, this isn't just a sore throat. If diphtheria isn't properly controlled, it can lead to very dangerous complications .

• Pneumonia : The infection can spread to the lungs.
• Lung failure: Difficulty breathing can become severe and the lungs may not function properly.
• Paralysis : The toxins produced by the bacteria can damage the body's nervous system.
• Heart damage: Damage to the heart muscle can lead to heart disease .

According to statistics, about one in ten people who contract diphtheria die. This is the main reason why we should be afraid of this disease. So, the best and only way to protect ourselves from such a serious disease is to get the Diphtheria Vaccine. When most people in the community get this vaccine, the spread of the disease almost stops completely. This is what we call 'Herd Immunity'.

What types of diphtheria vaccines are there?

The diphtheria vaccine is not given alone. It is usually given as a combination vaccine that protects against several other diseases. Although the names on your child's vaccination card may seem a little complicated, it is actually quite easy to understand. Let's take a look at the main types of vaccines available.

A word about Tetanus and Whooping Cough

As you can see, like all vaccines, this also provides protection against measles and whooping cough.

• Tetanus is a serious disease that affects the nervous system caused by bacteria. We all know that this disease can be caused by a wound from a rusty object.
• Whooping Cough (Pertussis) is a respiratory infection that can be very dangerous, especially for young children. It is a condition that causes continuous coughing and difficulty breathing.

What is the schedule for getting the vaccine?

This vaccine should be administered at various ages throughout life. It is administered systematically under our country's National Immunization Program.

For young children (DTaP vaccine)

Young babies are given a full course of 5 doses.

• At 2 months
• At 4 months
• At 6 months
• Between 15 and 18 months
• Between 4 and 6 years old

For older children and young people

A booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is given between the ages of 11 and 12. This boosts the immunity received from previous vaccinations.

For adults

It's very important for adults to get a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years . That's why your doctor will ask you when you last got your pertussis shot, especially if you have an injury.

What to do if you miss a dose of vaccine?

Oh! Don't worry if something like that happens. Sometimes, due to illness or other reasons, you may not be able to get vaccinated on the scheduled day.

• If your child has missed a vaccination, see your family doctor or pediatrician as soon as possible. He or she will be able to work out a schedule for your child to receive the missed vaccination.
• If you missed your booster shot as an adult, remind yourself about it at your next doctor's appointment and get the shot. Don't put it off.

Who should be careful before getting vaccinated?

Although this vaccine is generally very safe, there are some special circumstances in which it may be necessary to postpone or avoid the vaccination. If you or your child has any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor before getting the vaccine.

• If you have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous diphtheria vaccine.
• If you have had severe pain, swelling, or a fever greater than 40.5 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) after a previous vaccination.
• If you have a nervous system condition such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves).
• If you have seizures or other nervous system disorders.
• If you have a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine.
• If you are suffering from an illness such as a fever or cold on the day of the vaccination, the doctor will usually tell you to get the vaccine after you recover from the illness.

Are there any side effects of the vaccine?

Most people do not experience any serious problems. However, some minor side effects may occur. These usually go away completely within a few hours or a day or two.

• Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site: This is the most common side effect.
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Low fever
• Nausea or vomiting

Finally, when it comes to the effectiveness of the diphtheria vaccine, research has shown that these vaccines provide more than 95% protection against diphtheria for up to 10 years. So, this is a very valuable medical intervention that we all have to protect our lives.