It has been licensed for use in children over 12 months of age since 1995. Diphtheria Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease of the nose, throat, respiratory passages or skin caused by bacteria usually passed, via coughing or sneezing, from one infected person to the nose or throat of another. Symptoms include the gradual onset of a sore throat, a low-grade fever, and weakness. A thick mucus membrane often covers the entire throat and extends to respiratory passages, making it difficult to breathe. The lymph nodes of the neck tend to be enlarged.
Diphtheria can lead to heart failure, paralysis and death.
Vaccine for Diphtheria Children should be immunized with a four-shot series of the combination vaccine, DTaP, which includes diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, in the first 18 months of life. Children who receive all four doses before their fourth birthday should receive a fifth dose before entering kindergarten or elementary school. The fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was given on or after the fourth birthday. This combination vaccine is not given to individuals over age seven. Influenza is a highly infectious viral illness.