This disease is caused by an infection. Diphtheria is characterized by the inflammatory process of the upper respiratory tract and skin (mainly in places of wounds and cuts). The disease can have quite dangerous consequences: in the worst case, the entire cardiovascular and nervous systems are affected. Diphtheria is transmitted by airborne droplets and is especially severe in unvaccinated people. Therefore, most doctors insist on the need to be vaccinated on time. It is mandatory and is done in the district clinic. The essence of vaccination is that after it is carried out, antibodies are produced in the body that will subsequently protect you from diphtheria.
Vaccination of children
Vaccinations are given to the child several times. The very first - when the baby is three months old, the remaining three injections should be done at a 45-day interval before the baby is one year old. The next
diphtheria vaccine should be given just before entering school. Then the medicine is administered regularly every ten years (this is done to maintain immunity). According to the rules, the injection is done in a specially equipped medical room, and should be carried out by a qualified nurse. Compliance with these simple rules will minimize the risk of complications.
Adult vaccination
Often, the question of what are the possible side effects of a diphtheria vaccine worries not only young parents. The vaccine is given not only to children, but also to adults. The difference lies in the fact that the baby is injected intramuscularly (usually in the gluteus muscle). For adults, an injection is placed under the scapula. The injection site has no effect on the effect of the vaccine.
Pregnancy Vaccination
Possible side effects of a diphtheria vaccine are especially common for pregnant women. This is understandable - because they are responsible not only for themselves, but also for the life of the fetus. Experts agree that vaccination must be done, however, the procedure should be carried out in advance (at least two months before the expected pregnancy). If there is an urgent need to vaccinate a woman “in position”, then this is best done during the second trimester.
Side effects of diphtheria vaccineOne of the likely side effects may be fever, pain at the vaccination site, swelling, redness and
itching of the skin. If you have ARVI, it is better to postpone the vaccination until complete recovery. Before
vaccinating a child, he should undergo a complete medical examination, consult a neurologist. Ultimately, each parent decides whether his child will be vaccinated, however, experts advise not to neglect this procedure. After it has been done so that the side effects of the diphtheria vaccine do not occur, a number of measures should be observed: first, avoid drafts and prolonged exposure to cold. Secondly, lovers of relaxing in a hot bath will have to go for a while with an ordinary shower. Refrain from visiting places where many people gather - this increases the risk of catching a virus or infection. If you follow these simple rules, then everything will go well.