Diphtheria Vaccination
Diphtheria dey caused by bacterium. Diphtheria dey highly contagious. Toxins wen dey produced by the bacteria dey cause inflammation and swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and choking. The toxin dey also damage the heart and essential nerves. Diphtheria don be leading cause of death worldwide before.
Why Diphtheria Vaccination dey Important?
We go thank the development of effective vaccines, diphtheria don turn rare for parts of the world where the vaccination dey widely available and used. But, outbreaks continue to occur for communities with low vaccination rates.
Herd immunity: Vaccination nor dey only protect people but e dey also help to create herd immunity. Herd immunity na when significant portion of the population dey protected from infection. Once herd immunity dey , e go dey harder for the infection to spread. E dey generally better to achieve herd immunity through vaccination.
Diphtheria vaccines dey often combined with other vaccines to protect against multiple diseases for single shot. The common combination for Nigeria na diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles and dem dey call am the Pentavalent Vaccine.
How dem dey schedule the vaccine ?
Children: The vaccination schedule for diphtheria dey begin wen dem vaccinate pikin with pentavalent vaccine. Dem dey give dis vaccine combination at week six, ten and fourteen as well as at 15-18 months. After that , dem fit give the pikin booster doses between age 4-7 years.
Adolescents and adults: Adolescents wen don complete the childhood series fit receive booster shot between the age of 11 and 12. For adults, a single booster shot of Td dey recommended every ten years.
The vaccines safe?
Diphtheria vaccines dey safe. Common side effects na redness or swelling for the injection site, mild fever, and cry cry for children. Serious side effects dey rare.
Conclusion
Diphtheria vaccination na vital measure to prevent the spread of this dangerous bacterial infection. If you dey vaccinated and follow the recommended schedule, you fit protect your loved ones, yourself, and the community at large. Remember, prevention na the key.
