Diphtheria: Prevention

Diphtheria vaccination is the most important and effective preventive measure. Furthermore, to prevent diphtheria, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors.

Behavioral risk factors

  • Avoid contact with infected persons during the phase of infection. This phase can last up to four weeks after the first symptoms appear, but usually only about two weeks. The infection occurs via droplet infection.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Post-exposure prophylaxis is the provision of medication to prevent disease in individuals who are not protected against a particular disease by vaccination but have been exposed to it. For more information, see “Drug therapy.”