Diptheria - the Vaccine
The Diphtheria vaccine is made from a cell-free purified toxin extracted from a strain of C-diphtheriae which is treated with formaldehyde to convert it into the less harmful diphtheria toxoid. This substance is not good at stimulating an immune response so it is then mixed with aluminium phosphate, aluminium hydroxide and tetanus.
The vaccine also contains the antibiotics neomycin, streptomycin and polymyxin B; 2-phenoxyethanol (phenol); and medium 199 (a complex medium of amino acids, mineral salts, vitamins, polysorbate 80 and other substances diluted in water for injections).
From September 2004 Diphtheria is only given in combination, as follows:
• PEDIACEL ® (DTaP/IPV/Hib - this is the new 5:1 vaccine which includes high dose Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussin; plus injectable Polio and Hib) given at 2/3/4 months
• INFANRIX ® (DTaP/IPV) pre-school age 4-5 years
• REPEVAX ® (dTaP/IPV - which includes low dose Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussin; and injectable Polio) pre-school age 4-5 years
• REVAXIS ® (dT/IPV - which includes low dose Diphtheria and Tetanus; and injectable Polio) given at age 14-15 years
• DIFTAVAX ® (Td) available but not recommended by government for routine use in babies and children
(See separate sheets for further details on PEDIACEL ® , INFANRIX ® , REPEVAX ® , REVAXIS ® and DIFTAVAX ® )
Diphtheria vaccines are produced in two strengths according to the Diphtheria toxoid content. This is because a severe response results if full strength Diphtheria vaccine is given to someone who is already immune.
• Vaccines containing the higher dose of Diphtheria toxoid (abbreviated to "D") contain not less than 30 I.U.
• Vaccines containing the lower dose of Diphtheria toxoid (abbreviated to "d") contain approximately 2 I.U.
From October 2004, Diphtheria vaccines are free of thiomersal (mercury).
Adults are offered dT/IPV before travel to certain countries where Diphtheria and Polio vaccines are recommended.
The Diphtheria vaccine was first introduced in 1923. Since 1930, it has been given in combination with Tetanus and Pertussin; and additionally from October 2004 with Polio and Hib. Side effects of the vaccine will therefore include adverse reactions to all other components.
Adverse reactions reported by the Department of Health include pain, swelling or redness at the injection site; fever; convulsions; high-pitched screaming; episodes of pallor, cyanosis and limpness. Severe anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions can also occur.
Aventis Pasteur ® states that the systemic reactions to DIFTAVAX ® (Td) include Guillain-Barré syndrome, arthalgia (joint pain), myalgia, hypotension, malaise, urticaria (rashes), lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) and oedema.
As homeopaths we see many children suffering from repeated coughs and colds after the old DTaP vaccination:
• Some develop wheezing and breathlessness after exertion.
• They retch with the cough but do not show the usual pattern of whooping cough, so do not get recognised as having the disease.
• Another problem often caused by DTaP vaccination is constipation. The DTaP vaccine is bound together with an aluminium compound which can cause a block in natural bowel movements.
• We also see an increase in the tendency to ear problems, glue ear, poor eating patterns.
• Diphtheria is a disease affecting the throat. As a consequence of the vaccine there can be an increased susceptibility to sore throats and tonsillitis.
Homeopathic Prophylaxis
Diphtherinum and Mercurius Cynatus are almost specific to symptoms of Diphtheria. Though you could consider Apis Mel and Lac Caninum too.
Diphtherinum is the diphtheria nosode and has been used by many homeopaths as a successful preventative for the disease. Take Diphtherinum 30c once a week while travelling.