User:Mr. Ibrahem/Diphtheria vaccine

Diphtheria vaccine is a vaccine against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the bacteria that causes diphtheria. It is used in children and adults in one of two strengths; the higher dose of diphtheria toxoid 'D', for very young children, and the lower dose of diphtheria toxoid 'd', for older children, adults and for boosters. Its use has resulted in a more than 90% decrease in number of cases globally between 1980 and 2000.

Vaccinating against diphtheria is recommended for all children. The first dose is recommended at six to eight weeks of age with two additional doses four weeks apart, after which it is about 95% effective during childhood. Three further doses are recommended during childhood. If travelling to an area with a risk of diphtheria, a booster dose may be needed. It is recommended in women in the later part of each pregnancy and in any unimmunized close contacts of the baby. It is unclear if further doses later in life are needed.

The diphtheria vaccine is very safe. Significant side effects are rare. Pain may occur at the injection site. A bump may form at the site of injection that lasts a few weeks. The vaccine is safe in both pregnancy and among those who have a poor immune function.

It is not available as a single vaccine. All diphtheria vaccines are given combined with tetanus vaccine (Td and DT vaccines). It can be given with other vaccines in a variety of further combinations, including as DTP vaccine or DTaP with pertussis vaccine, and other combinations with inactivated polio vaccine, Hib vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended its use since 1974. About 84% of the world population is vaccinated. It is given as an intramuscular injection. The vaccine needs to be kept cold but not frozen.

The diphtheria vaccine was developed in 1923. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The wholesale price in the developing world of a version that contains tetanus toxoid is between 0.12 and 0.99 USD per dose as of 2014. In the United States it is less than 25 USD.