Yes, all three diseases are serious and can be life-threatening. All three diseases occur in both children and adults. It is therefore important that all adolescents are protected against them.
Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that infect the mouth, throat and nose. The infection causes an extremely sore throat and breathing difficulties. The bacteria release a toxin which can produce nerve paralysis and heart failure. About one in 15 people infected with diphtheria will die.
Tetanus occurs when wounds are infected by bacteria which are present, in soil. The bacteria produce a powerful toxin that causes painful muscle spasms, convulsions and lockjaw. Around one in 10 people infected with tetanus will die. The risk is greatest for very young or elderly people.
Whooping cough is caused by highly contagious bacteria that are spread by respiratory droplets. The characteristic symptoms are severe coughing spasms followed by gagging or vomiting. Sometimes the person may gasp for air causing a 'whooping' cough. The cough may last for months. Complications of whooping cough include convulsions, pneumonia, coma, inflammation of the brain, permanent brain damage and long-term lung damage. About one in 200 whooping cough patients under the age of six months dies from pneumonia or brain damage. Epidemics of whooping cough occur in Australia every three to four years. Adults and adolescents are at particular risk of contracting whooping cough and can pass the disease on to babies too young to be immunised.
Yes. The safest and most effective way to prevent these diseases is through vaccination. A full course of vaccination provides long lasting protection against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Fully vaccinated students will not require another booster for diphtheria and tetanus until they reach 50 years of age, unless an injury places them at risk of tetanus.
Students should be vaccinated with dTpa vaccine to provide protection against whooping cough as well as diphtheria and tetanus. There is no minimum time to wait between other previously administered diphtheria and/or tetanus containing vaccines and dTpa.
The last time your child is likely to have received vaccination against diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough was when they were pre-school age. A booster is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council for 15 year olds to ensure they continue to have immunity against these diseases. If in doubt about your child's immunisation history, check with your doctor or immunisation provider.
The dTpa vaccine contains aluminium hydroxide, aluminium phosphate, sodium chloride and 2-phenoxyethanol (these ingredients assist the vaccine to work or act as a preservative).
Possible side effects include mild fever, temporary redness and soreness at the injection site, nausea, dizziness and irritability. More serious side effects are extremely rare and can include severe allergic reactions.
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