Diphtheria
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
stain of diphtheria
CDC describes diphtheria as "an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an adherent membrane of the tonsil(s), pharynx, and/or nose". Diphtheria is a rapidly developing, acute, febrile infection which involves both local and systemic pathology. A local lesion develops in the upper respiratory tract and involves necrotic injury to epithelial cells. As a result of this injury, blood plasma leaks into the area and a fibrin network forms which is interlaced with with rapidly-growing C. diphtheriae cells.
Whats New?
Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis): What You Need to Know 09 May 13
Vaccine Information Statement (Interim)
Questions & AnswersQuestions & Answers
 
Diphtheria- The Disease
Diphtheria- The Vaccine
12 Oct 05

Sample Q&A: Diphtheria- The Vaccine

How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as a single injection into the muscle (IM). The usual schedule for infants is a series of four doses given at two, four, six, and 15 to 18 months of age. A fifth shot, or booster dose, is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age, unless the fourth dose was given late (after the fourth birthday). Because immunity to diphtheria and pertussis wanes with time, adolescents (11 to 18 years old) should receive a booster dose of Tdap and later booster doses of Td (adult tetanus and diphtheria) every ten years.
ACIP Guidelines
Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) in Pregnant Women 22 Feb 13
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2012
Updated Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine in Adults Aged 65 Years and Older 29 Jun 12
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2012
Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Among Adults: Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine 15 Dec 06
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Recommendation of ACIP, supported by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), for Use of Tdap Among Health-Care Personnel
Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Among Adolescents: Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccines 23 Feb 06
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Recommendations for Use of Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccines and a Combined 17 Sep 93
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Information Paper
Diphtheria and Diphtheria Toxoid PDF 28 Aug 08
Information Paper
Package Insert
Infanrix [DTaP] (GlaxoSmithKline) 01 Jun 12
Package Insert - Vaccine
Pediarix (GlaxoSmithKline) 01 Apr 12
Package Insert - Vaccine
Boostrix [Tdap] (GlaxoSmithKline) 01 Mar 12
Package Insert - Vaccine
Kinrix [DTaP-IPV] (GlaxoSmithKline) 01 Mar 12
Package Insert - Vaccine
Adacel [Tdap] (Sanofi-Pasteur) 16 Feb 12
Package Insert - Vaccine
Daptacel [DTaP] (Sanofi-Pasteur) 01 Jul 11
Package Insert - Vaccine
Pentacel [DTaP-IPV/Hib] (Sanofi-Pasteur) 01 Jul 11
Package Insert - Vaccine
Related Links
GlaxoSmithKline 01 Mar 12
Boostrix
GlaxoSmithKline 14 Apr 09
Pentacel
GlaxoSmithKline 26 Jun 08
Kinrix
GlaxoSmithKline (vaccine manufacturer) 27 Jul 04
Supply & Logistics (MMQC)
MMQC-11-1074 02 Feb 11
UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF TETANUS TOXOID, REDUCED DIPHTHERIA TOXOID AND ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS (TDAP) VACCINE FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES, 2010
VIS
Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis): What You Need to Know 09 May 13

Vaccine Information Statement (Interim)

Your Baby's First Vaccines; What You Need to Know 16 Nov 12
Vaccine Information Statement (Interim)
Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria) or Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis); What You Need to Know 24 Jan 12
Vaccine Information Statement - Interim
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines (DTaP): What You Need to Know 17 May 07
Vaccine Information Statement