The diphtheria vaccine is combined with other vaccines, so a person can receive protection from several diseases with one shot.
Diphtheria-containing vaccines are provided for free as part of routine immunizations in British Columbia.
There are several vaccine combinations that are recommended for children and adults at various ages. For more information about each vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions, click on any one of the links below to go to the specific HealthLink BC file.
DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b), INFANRIX hexa™
- For children under the age of 7 years starting their immunizations in February 2009 or later
- Three doses
- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age
DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b), PEDIACEL®
- For children under the age of 5 years and starting their immunizations before February 2009
- Four doses
- Usually given at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age
- Given as a booster shot for children who received 3 doses of DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib (Infanrix-hexa™)
- Usually given at 18 months of age
DTaP-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio), QUADRACEL®
- One dose for children 4 to 6 years of age
- Given as children start school
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), ADACEL®
- Given as a single booster dose to grade 9 students
- Boosts immunity from previous doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis-containing vaccines
Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria)
- Booster dose recommended for adults every 10 years
- Boosts immunity from previous doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis-containing vaccines