Types of Diphtheria Vaccines

Key points

  • Diphtheria vaccines are combined with tetanus and sometimes whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines.
  • Diphtheria vaccines work well but protection decreases over time.
  • Due to vaccination, diphtheria is now nearly unheard of in the United States.
  • Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about these vaccines.

Types

All diphtheria vaccines are combined with components that provide protection against other diseases too:

  • DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis)
  • Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
  • Td: Tetanus and diphtheria

Available vaccines

DTaP vaccines

Vaccine providers give up to 5 DTaP shots to babies and young children.

In addition to diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, some brands provide protection against other diseases like:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Hepatitis b
  • Polio

  • Use: All 5 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 6 years

  • Use: All 5 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 6 years

  • Use: Fifth shot only
  • Ages: 4 through 6 years
  • Other diseases: Polio

  • Use: First 3 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 4 years
  • Other diseases: Hepatitis B and polio

  • Use: First 4 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 4 years
  • Other diseases: Invasive Hib disease and polio

  • Use: Fifth shot only
  • Ages: 4 through 6 years
  • Other diseases: Polio

    • Use: First 3 shots
    • Ages: 6 weeks through less than 1 year
    • Other diseases: Hepatitis B, invasive Hib disease, and polio

    Tdap vaccines

    There are 2 Tdap brands: and .

    Vaccine providers give Tdap to people 7 years or older:

    • As a preteen or teen
    • During pregnancy
    • As a booster every 10 years (Td is another option for these boosters)
    • As part of a 3-shot series for those never vaccinated
    • To complete the childhood vaccine series if needed

    Td vaccine

    There is 1 Td brand: .

    Vaccine providers give this vaccine to people 7 years or older

    • As a booster every 10 years (Tdap is another option for these boosters)
    • As part of a 3-shot series for those never vaccinated
    • To complete the childhood vaccine series if needed
    • In some cases, as part of wound management
    • In the rare situation someone has a contraindication to pertussis-containing vaccine

    How well they work

    Diphtheria vaccines work well but protection decreases over time. They protect nearly everyone (97 in 100) who is fully vaccinated against diphtheria for up to 10 years.

    Resources

    Vaccine Information Statements

    DTaP: English |

    Td: English |

    Tdap: English |

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    Content Source:
    National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD); Division of Bacterial Diseases