The Importance of Diphtheria Vaccine for Adults

Diphtheria experienced by many children, but that does not mean adults are automatically free of diphtheria. As in children, diphtheria vaccination also needs to be given to adults to prevent the spread of diphtheria The Indonesian Ministry of Health recommends diphtheria vaccination as an effort to prevent and prevent the spread of diphtheria (Extraordinary Events) in Indonesia. Vaccination program from the Indonesian government through ORI (Outbreak Response Immunization), provides diphtheria immunization especially for Indonesians aged 1-19 years who live around diphtheria sufferers. Whereas diphtheria vaccination in adults is expected to be carried out independently in public or private health facilities.

Prevents Diphtheria Transmission

Diphtheria is a disease that can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death. Spread is through the air when diphtheria sufferers cough or sneeze. Diphtheria vaccination in children and adults functions to trigger the emergence of immunity against bacteria that cause the disease. Generally the administration of diphtheria vaccination along with other vaccines is carried out at 2, 3 and 4 months of age, according to the recommendations of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) in 2017. The vaccination is known as DTP, as an effort to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and coughing whooping (pertussis). If the vaccine is given the type of DTPa, then the vaccine is given at age 2, 4, and 6 months. Children 7 years and older and adults are given recommendations for Td or Tdap vaccinations. Followed by re-vaccination (booster) at least once every 10 years.

Adults who need immediate diphtheria vaccination

Adults who need immediate vaccination for diphtheria or Tdap vaccination are:

• People who have never received a Tdap vaccination.
• People who forget whether he was given a vaccination or not.
• Health workers who make direct contact with patients.
• People who care for babies under 1 year old, including parents, grandparents, and babysitters.
• People who travel to various regions including the spread of diphtheria.
• People who live in the same house, neighbors, have / will see diphtheria sufferers.
• Prospective mothers who have never vaccinated.
• Pregnant women (Tdap booster is recommended for each pregnancy).

After the vaccination, be sure to record and store the data / history of your and your child's immunizations properly. If you have experienced allergies or seizures after about 1 week after vaccination, you should ask your doctor to first evaluate the health condition before diphtheria vaccination or other combination vaccinations. Avoiding vaccines causes the body to be exposed to disease and spread to others. The benefits of vaccines are important for preventing transmission of disease. Therefore, keep an immunization schedule in order to maintain the health of your baby and yourself. Undergoing immunization is a form of our accountability in respecting the health of ourselves and others.