Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat caused by the diphtheria bacteria. The bacteria are spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with an open wound infected with diphtheria.

What are the symptoms of diphtheria?

The diphtheria bacteria make a poison that can cause weakness, sore throat, fever and swollen glands in the neck.

What are the risks of diphtheria?

The disease can cause very severe breathing problems. It can also cause heart failure and paralysis. About 1 in 10 people who get diphtheria may die.

How can I prevent getting diphtheria?

The best way to not get diphtheria is to get immunized. The vaccine is safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get diphtheria disease. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.

Who should get the diphtheria vaccine?

The diphtheria vaccine is free (publicly funded) as part of the B.C. routine immunization schedule. Adults who were immunized against diphtheria when they were a child should get a ‘booster’ every 10 years. The diphtheria vaccine is combined with other vaccines to give protection against several diseases with one shot.

Get immunized against diphtheria by making an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist (for those 5 years and older) or Public Health.

Learn where to get immunized and how to book an appointment