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Vaccine Information Archive
Diphtheria
Articles & Further Information
Disease Definition
An
acute illness, diphtheria is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium
diphtheriae. Toxins (poisonous substances) produced by the bacteria
affect the respiratory tract (lung and windpipe), nervous system,
adrenal gland and heart muscle cells.
Spread by droplets or
direct contact with wounds and materials soiled by infected persons,
diphtheria takes 2 to 5 days after infection for symptoms to show.
The
disease mainly affects the respiratory tract but skin can also become
infected. The bacteria form a ‘membrane’ of dead white blood cells in
the upper respiratory tract, causing breathing difficulties. The
diphtheria toxin can cause nerve and heart damage.
Source: www.immunise.health.gov.au
Whilst
there was a time in Australia when many children and adults died every
year from this illness, better hygiene and nutrition in the early part
of this century saw death rates drop substantially (well before mass
use of the diphtheria vaccine). There has not been a case of diphtheria
in Australia for many years.
About the vaccine
There
is some question about the effectiveness of the vaccine. Rare outbreaks
of the disease have shown that immunised children fare no better than
those who are not.
All types of diphtheria vaccine which are licensed in Australia contain mercury, a known neuro-toxin (brain poison).
Diphtheria is given either in combination with tetanus, or with both tetanus and pertussis.
Vaccines used in Australia:
- CDT (CSL) - Childhood Diphtheria & Tetanus Vaccine : DATA SHEET
- ADT (CSL) - Adult Diphtheria & Tetanus Vaccine : DATA SHEET
- (see DTP page for combination Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis vaccines)
DATA SHEETS
Sourced from: www.medsafe.govt.nz
Similar
to 'Package Inserts' these Data Sheets contain information provided by
the vaccine manufacturer and list ,among other things, the vaccine's
ingredients and possible side effects.
We here at the
AVN had the up-to-date Australian vaccination information on our
website for years. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago, we were
ordered to remove these details due to supposed copyright issues though
they are freely available across the Tasman as you can see.
As
far as we are able to determine, this information and the vaccine
manufacturers are exactly the same as the information released on
vaccines in Australia. It seems that the powers that be in Australia do
not want you to know what is in the vaccines being used here, what the
listed side-effects are and what contraindications (or reasons why the
vaccine might not be appropriate) there are for individuals who are
considering taking this shot. Hopefully, the authorities in Australia
will one day become more open-minded on this issue and will decide that
parents are not only capable of understanding this information but
should have access to it to assist in their decision-making process.
For now, here is the information from New Zealand.
Information on Vaccines used in the USA can be found here: www.vaccinesafety.edu/package_inserts.htm
Please share the links to these pages with anyone you know who is considering vaccinating their children or themselves.
Investigate BEFORE you vaccinate
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