00:08Diphtheria is a rare but serious bacterial infection and it spreads from person to person
00:12through droplets from sneezing or coughing. When a child catches diphtheria it can cause
00:21grey and white patches often referred to as a membrane that form on the back of the tonsils
00:25and throat. This can cause blockages of the windpipe making it more difficult for your child to breathe.
00:31They may also develop a mild fever, a sore throat and skin sores. Further complications can also
00:37include nerve and kidney damage and inflammation of the heart muscle.
00:45Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease. Diphtheria vaccines available in
00:50Australia for children are combination vaccines that also protect against tetanus and whooping cough
00:56and in some cases polio and hepatitis B. This means your child will be protected against more diseases
01:02with fewer injections which is less pain and stress for your child. Under the national immunisation
01:08program children should receive the free vaccine at six weeks, four months, six months, 18 months
01:14and four years for the best possible protection. The vaccine provides immunity to diphtheria to help
01:23prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains an inactive and safe form of diphtheria
01:28that trains your child's immune system to recognise and protect against the infection. Vaccination reduces
01:35their chances of getting diphtheria and if they do get it they have less risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
01:44Your child may experience mild reactions to the vaccine which usually disappear within a few days.
01:50Common reactions include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site, a mild fever and tiredness.
02:01The success of vaccinations means that diphtheria is now rare in Australia, however the disease is still
02:07prevalent in other countries and with international travel can still be introduced into Australia.
02:13Vaccination is the best way to protect our children and communities.
02:19Always speak with your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations.
02:24For more information visit sharing knowledge about immunisation at skai.org.au forward slash childhood
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