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Diphtheria Recommendations Updated on TRAVAX

27 February 2012

The TRAVAX team have just completed a systematic review of diphtheria recommendations (October 2011 – February 2012) which has resulted in a change to the way diphtheria is listed on the TRAVAX country pages.

Rather than diphtheria vaccination appearing as 'Usually Advised' it will now appear under either 'Usually' or 'Sometimes' advised. For both categories of recommendation you are advised to ensure that your traveller has received a full primary course of diphtheria vaccine. In addition:

  • Usually Advised - travellers should be offered a booster of diphtheria vaccine if it has been more than 10 years since their last dose.
  • Sometimes Advised - boost travellers who may be mixing closely with the local population if it has been more than 10 years since their last dose.

Diphtheria is found in many countries across the world. It is spread mainly from person to person so herd immunity is possible through mass vaccination. The review looked at incidence of disease and vaccine uptake, including average uptake over 5 years.

References:

World Health Organization 2012. Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. Vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccine monitoring system 2012 at: www.who.int/en/ Accessed February 2012.

World Health Organization 2012. Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. Vaccine preventable diseases. Diphtheria reported cases at: www.who.int/en/ Accessed February 2012.