The Diphtheria vaccine is made from a cell-free purified toxin extracted from a strain of C-diphtheriae which is treated with formaldehyde to convert it into the less harmful diphtheria toxoid. This substance is not good at stimulating an immune response so it is then mixed with aluminium phosphate or aluminium hydroxide. Together with Tetanus, the vaccine also contains the antibiotics neomycin, streptomycin and polymyxin B; 2-phenoxyethanol (phenol); and medium 199 (a complex medium of amino acids, mineral salts, vitamins, polysorbate 80 and other substances diluted in water for injections). From September 2004 Diphtheria vaccine is only given in combination, as follows:
(See separate sheet for further details on REVAXIS®.)
Diphtheria vaccines are produced in two strengths according to the Diphtheria toxoid content. This is because a severe response results if full strength Diphtheria vaccine is given to someone who is already immune.
Vaccines containing the higher dose of Diphtheria toxoid (abbreviated to "D") contain not less than 30 I.U.
Vaccines containing the lower dose of Diphtheria toxoid (abbreviated to "d") contain approximately 2 I.U.
From October 2004, Diphtheria vaccines are free of thiomersal (mercury).
Adults are offered dT/IPV before travel to certain countries where Diphtheria and Polio vaccines are recommended.
The Diphtheria vaccine was first introduced in 1923, and from the 1950s has been part of the DPT vaccine. Since October 2004, it has been given in combination with Tetanus and Polio. Side effects of the vaccine will therefore include adverse reactions to all other components.
Adverse reactions reported by the Department of Health include pain, swelling or redness at the injection site; fever; convulsions; high-pitched screaming; episodes of pallor, cyanosis and limpness. Severe anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions can also occur.
Aventis Pasteur® states that the systemic reactions to DIFTAVAX® (Td) include Guillain-Barré syndrome, arthalgia (joint pain), myalgia, hypotension, malaise, urticaria (rashes), lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) and oedema.
Since the introduction of the Diphtheria vaccine for babies, many children have developed chronically-enlarged tonsils. In the 1950s/60s, such a child would have their tonsils surgically removed, leaving the immune system unable to protect the body against bacteria breathed in or ingested through the mouth.
Diphtherinum is the diphtheria nosode and has been used by many homeopaths as a successful preventative for the disease. Take Diphtherinum 30c once a week while travelling, and increase to 3 times a week if you are in contact with the disease.
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