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Diphtheria and Its Symptoms
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Corybacterium diphtheriae |
In the past, diphtheria was a major cause of childhood illness and death in the United States. Until the 1920s, approximately 150,000 people developed diphtheria each year in the United States; about 10 percent (15,000) of them died from the disease1.
Diphtheria is a disease caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. These bacteria live in the throat and nose of an infected person, and are easily spread to others through coughing or sneezing. Some people with diphtheria might not even seem ill, but can still spread the disease to others1.
Reference:
1. Parents Guide to Childhood Immunization, NIP Publications, http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/Parents-Guide/default.htm, Accessed May 2, 2002
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Indication
DAPTACEL vaccine is given to infants and children 6 weeks through 6 years of age (prior to 7th birthday) to prevent three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) as a five-dose series.
Safety Information
Side effects to DAPTACEL vaccine include injection site redness, swelling, and tenderness; fever, fussiness, drowsiness, and crying more than usual. Other side effects may occur. DAPTACEL vaccine should not be given to children who, after a previous dose of the vaccine, have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction) or inflammation of the brain (encephalopathy) not attributable to another cause. Tell the doctor if your child has ever experienced a severe brain disorder, such as encephalopathy (altered consciousness) or Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness), after a previous dose of a tetanus toxoid- or pertussis-containing vaccine. Vaccination with DAPTACEL vaccine may not protect all individuals.
For more information about DAPTACEL vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.
Last modified: 2/20/09
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