WHAT IS DIPHTHERIA?
Learn more about this serious disease
Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by bacteria known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria is spread through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the disease-causing bacteria enter the air in small droplets. If an unprotected person breathes in this air, he or she can become infected.1
The bacteria usually infect the nose and throat, although they can also infect the skin. Approximately 10% of people who get diphtheria die from the disease.1
Vaccination with ADACEL vaccine can help prevent three serious diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Ask your doctor if ADACEL vaccine is right for you and your family.
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Click below to learn more about diphtheria.
What is diphtheria?
The symptoms of diphtheria
Reference: 1. US National Library of Medicine. Diphtheria. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001608.htm. Accessed February 20, 2007.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication
Adacel vaccine is given as a single dose to people 11 through 64 years of age for active booster immunization for the prevention of tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Safety Information
Side effects to Adacel vaccine include injection site pain, redness, and swelling; headache, body ache, tiredness, and fever. Tell your doctor if you have 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. Other side effects may occur. Vaccination with Adacel vaccine may not protect all people receiving the vaccine.
For more information about Adacel vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.
Last modified: 2/20/09
