What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the nose and throat. Vaccination provides essential protection against this severe illness.
Who should get vaccinated?
CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and adults. A single booster is typically given along with tetanus and pertussis (Tdap). A combination vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Tdap) contains 2 or more vaccines in a single shot in order to decrease the number of shots given.
Why should you get this vaccination?
Diphtheria can infect the respiratory tract (parts of the body involved in breathing) and skin. Symptoms of diphtheria depend on the body part that is affected. People who are exposed to diphtheria usually start having symptoms in 2–5 days if they get sick. If a doctor thinks you have respiratory diphtheria, they will have you start treatment right away.
Where can you get it?
If your doctor does not have these vaccines for adults, ask for a referral. These vaccines may also be available for adults at:
- Pharmacies
- Workplaces
- Community health clinics
- Health departments
- Other community locations such as schools and religious centers
You can also contact your state health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
More information:
Learn more about diphtheria here.