Most of us only know diphtheria as an obscure disease from long ago, thanks to the diphtheria vaccine babies get. This vaccine, called DTaP, provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). While preventable, diphtheria does still exist. It can cause a thick covering in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe or swallow. Diphtheria can also lead to heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Make sure to vaccinate to help keep this dangerous infection from your kids.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Those who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease are the following:

• Children under 2 years old
• Individuals with cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
• Individuals with chronic illnesses
• Individuals with conditions that weaken the immune system

Adults who are at risk are adults 65 years and older. Adults of all ages are also at increased risk if they have alcoholism, chronic heart, lung, kidney conditions, cochlear implants, CSF leaks, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, HIV and sickle cell disease.

HOW IS DIPHTHERIA SPREAD?

Diphtheria bacteria spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person who does not receive treatment can spread the bacteria for about 2 weeks after infection.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Diphtheria starts with a sore throat, mild fever (101 degrees or less), and chills. Next, it can cause a thick coating in the back of the nose or throat. The coating may be white or grayish and makes it hard to breathe or swallow.

Complications include:

• Infection around lungs and in the chest cavity
• Inflammation of the heart
• Blockage of airways/ collapsed lungs
• Infection of brain and spinal cord

WHEN IS THE VACCINE GIVEN?

There are 2 pneumococcal disease vaccines distributed in the United States: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13, PCV14, and PCV20) and Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23). Doctors recommend PCV for all children younger than 5 years old. The pneumococcal vaccine can be administered as early as 6 weeks for PCV and 2 years old for PPSV. The recommended vaccine schedule is as follows:

• First Dose: 2 months of age
• Second Dose: 4 months of age
• Third Dose: 6 months of age (if needed, depending on brand of vaccine)
• Final/Booster Dose: 12-15 months of age

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS

Most children don’t have any side effects from DTaP or Tdap. The side effects that do occur from DTaP are usually mild, and may include:

• Soreness or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever
• Fussiness
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

More serious side effects are very rare but with DTaP can include:

• A fever over 105 degrees
• Nonstop crying for 3 hours or more
• Seizures (jerking, twitching of the muscles, or staring)

The side effects from Tdap are usually mild, and may include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache

Some preteens and teens might faint after getting Tdap or any other shot.

HISTORY OF PNEUMONIA

• 1881- S. pneumoniae was first isolated by Louis Pasteur
• 1884- Pneumococcal pneumonia was confused with other types of pneumonia until distinguished by the Gram stain
• 1911- Efforts to develop effective pneumococcal vaccines began
• 1915-1945- The chemical structure and antigenicity of the pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide was described
• 1940- More than 80 serotypes of pneumococci had been described
• 1960- Efforts were made to develop antibiotic treatment
• 1977- The first pneumococcal vaccine was licensed for use in the United States
• 2000- The first conjugate pneumococcal vaccine was licensed in the United States