The second part of our in-depth look at the DPT vaccine examines the diphtheria and tetanus portions of the triple jab. In this series we're assuming that you've read the mainstream medical view of these vaccines, so, as usual, here's the other side of the story.
In making your decision about whether to vaccinate, we urge you to consider each vaccine individually. Each one has very different records of safety, effectiveness and indeed necessity. When making your informed decision, remember to consider three things:
• How necessary is this vaccine?
• How effective is this vaccine?
• How safe is this vaccine?
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute respiratory infection caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. In its milder form, it may produce nothing more than a sore throat accompaniedby fever and swollen lymph nodes.
In severe manifestations, it can cause a thick membrane to form on the surface of the tonsils and throat, which may extend to the windpipe and lungs. Other complications include inflammation of the heart and paralysis of muscles in the throat and eyes. These complications can interfere with swallowing and breathing, leading to death in around 50 percent of cases. In the pre-immunization days, people acquired immunity to the disease through contracting the less severe form—cutaneous diphtheria, causing infected skin lesions and resulting in far fewer deaths.
How necessary is the diphtheria vaccine?
At one time, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diphtheria was the leading cause of death in children.
According to a 2021 report prepared by Public Health England, there were just two cases of diphtheria in England in 2020—one
