Diphtheria is a rare but serious bacterial infection, and it spreads from person to person through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
When a child catches diphtheria, it can cause grey and white patches, often referred to as a membrane, that form on the back of the tonsils and throat. This can cause blockages of the windpipe, making it more difficult for your child to breathe, and may also develop a mild fever, a sore throat, and skin sores.
Further complications can also include nerve and kidney damage and inflammation of the heart muscle. Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease.
Diphtheria vaccines available in Australia for children are combination vaccines that also protect against tetanus and whooping cough, and in some cases polio and hepatitis B. This means your child will be protected against more diseases with fewer injections, which is less pain and stress for your child.
Under the National Immunisation Program, children should receive the free vaccine at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, and 4 years for the best possible protection. The vaccine provides immunity to diphtheria to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains an inactive and safe form of diphtheria that trains your child's immune system to recognise and protect against the infection.
Vaccination reduces their chances of getting diphtheria, and if they do get it, they have less risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
Your child may experience mild reactions to the vaccine, which usually disappear within a few days. Common reactions include redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site, a mild fever and tiredness.
The success of vaccinations means that diphtheria is now rare in Australia. However, the disease is still prevalent in other countries, and with international travel can still be introduced into Australia.
Vaccination is the best way to protect our children and communities. Always speak with your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations.
For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood.
In this video, Dr Linny Phuong shares how you can protect your child from diphtheria with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.