Diphtheria vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Diphtheria vaccination: Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and can cause serious complications such as heart or kidney damage if left untreated. A diphtheria vaccination provides reliable protection against the disease and significantly reduces the risk of infection and severe complications.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a disease Disease that mostly affects the upper respiratory tract - i.e. the nose, throat and larynx. However, it can also cause damage to the heart, kidneys and liver - with fatal consequences.
Diphtheria is mainly caused by certain bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae which form a toxin. Less common are the bacteria Corynebacterium ulcerans or Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis responsible for this.
The pathogens are usually transmitted through Droplet infection via the air we breathe, e.g. when sneezing, coughing or speaking. However, infection is also possible through direct contact with open wounds.
Symptoms of diphtheria
As a disease of the upper respiratory tract, a diphtheria infection classically begins with Sore throat, high fever and difficulty swallowing. There are also mucous membrane coatings and other symptoms.
Here is an overview:
Sore throat
High fever
Difficulty swallowing with hoarseness
Whistling noises when breathing
Swelling of the lymph nodes
Mucous membrane coatings
Important to know: The mucosal plaque is usually white-greyish or brownish and often extends over the tonsils, palate and uvula to the larynx. These plaques make breathing difficult and can lead to bleeding when trying to remove them.
Overview of the course of the disease
The incubation period - i.e. the time between infection and outbreak of the infectious disease - is two to five days. The bacteria responsible - usually Corynebacterium diphtheriae - release a toxin that can damage important organs.
The infection can remain localized, e.g. in the throat, nose or larynx, or spread to the Spread airways. In severe cases, the diphtheria toxin can damage the heart, kidneys and liver.
It can lead to Inflammation of the heart muscle, nerve paralysis, respiratory paralysis and even death occur. There are also forms such as mucosal or skin diphtheria and asymptomatic infections in which those affected carry the bacterium without becoming ill themselves.
Dangers of the disease
Especially through asymptomatic infections the disease can spread unnoticed, which poses a particular danger. The bacteria attack the mucous membranes and produce a toxin that is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream and can damage important organs.
Under certain circumstances severe courses of the disease and complications including respiratory distress, cardiovascular disorders and kidney damage. Treatment requires an antitoxin and antibiotics.
What is particularly worrying is that even today the Mortality rate with one to four out of 20 diphtheria patients is still quite high. In Austria, every case must be reported. In 2022 73 Diphtheria infections confirmed, four cases in 2023 and three cases in 2024.
Why vaccination against diphtheria makes sense for children
Vaccination against diphtheria is particularly useful for children because it reliably protects against a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. At the same time, immunization prevents vaccinated people from passing on the bacterium and infecting other, unvaccinated children or adults.
Diphtheria still to come in many countries worldwide e.g. in Albania, parts of the former Soviet Union, Africa, South America and Asia. Returning travelers can therefore bring the disease to Austria.
Through a High vaccination coverage rate diphtheria has now been largely eradicated in Austria. Nevertheless, the National vaccination committee Vaccination for all children, usually in combination with tetanus, whooping cough and polio, to ensure comprehensive protection.
How does the vaccination against diphtheria work?
Basic immunization is included in the free vaccination programme in Austria and is carried out using three vaccinations against diphtheria:
1st vaccinationFrom the age of 6 weeks, maximum age of 3 months
2nd vaccination: At the age of 5 months
3. vaccination: At the age of 11 to 12 months
This should two booster vaccinations to ensure reliable vaccination protection. The first booster should be given at the age of 6 and the second five years later - but no later than the age of 15 and before the end of compulsory schooling.
For further information and detailed advice, parents can contact us at any time at the Ordination Glückskind report. Together we will be happy to discuss all questions about Pediatric Vaccinations, the procedure and possible side effects.
Multiple vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus & co.
Vaccination against diphtheria is offered as part of the 6-fold vaccination administered. The vaccine therefore not only protects against diphtheria, but is also effective against Whooping cough, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae, poliomyelitis and Hepatitis B.
The booster vaccinations - at the age of 6 and at the latest at the age of 15 - are also included in the free vaccination program. Child vaccination program and are carried out with a 4-fold vaccine. This protects against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough.
Diphtheria vaccination in adulthood
Vaccination against diphtheria is also an important issue for adults. The National Vaccination Committee currently recommends Booster vaccinations for adults every 5 years.
If it has been more than 20 years since the last vaccination, the Vaccination protection checked by a blood test be given. If the basic immunization is missing, two vaccinations should be administered one to two months apart. A third injection follows 6 to 12 months later.
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection, which usually affects the upper respiratory tract such as the nose, throat and larynx. It can cause serious complications, e.g. heart or kidney damage, respiratory paralysis and even death. The disease is transmitted by certain bacteria that produce a toxin.
How often should I be vaccinated against diphtheria?
The basic immunization is carried out with Three vaccinations in the first year of life. This is followed by two booster shots - once at the age of 6 and once at the age of 15 at the latest. Adults should receive a booster every 5 years.
Are tetanus and diphtheria a vaccination?
No, these are two different vaccinations. In practice, however, they are often used together as Combination vaccine administered, e.g. in the 6-fold vaccination.
When should babies be vaccinated against diphtheria?
The first vaccination is given from the 6th week of life, the second at the age of 5 months and the third at the age of 11 to 12 months. This is followed by boosters to ensure long-lasting protection.