infections
Diphtheria
Prevention of Diphtheria
For more information, see also Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine and the vaccine schedules for The diphtheria vaccine protects only against the effects of the diphtheria toxin; it does not prevent infection with diphtheria. The vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines. Which vaccine is given depends on the person's age: Children under 7 years of age: The combination DTaP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine is part of Childhood Vaccination Schedules . Adolescents and adults: The combination Administration is given as a booster shot at age 11 or 12 and to people 13 years of age or older who have never received Tdap or who are unsure about whether they received it. A If people have close contact with a person who has diphtheria, they are tested for the infection and given antibiotics for 7 days. Samples from their throat and nose are sent to a laboratory to be cultured. If diphtheria bacteria are identified in the samples, these people must take antibiotics for an additional 10 days (for a total of 17 days). This exposure regimen is done whether or not people have been vaccinated because vaccinated people can still become infected with diphtheria. 