The immunization of children with combined diphtheria and tetanus vaccine in Sweden

Abstract

Two groups derived from 97 children three-four months of age were vaccinated with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines containing either a routinely prepared diphtheria toxoid or a more purified preparation. Two injections were given with an interval of one month and a third injection was given one year after the first.

Prior to the third injection no child was without protection against diphtheria, i.e. had an antitoxin titre <0·01 IU ml⁻¹. After the third injection 95 and 94% of the children vaccinated with the routinely and more purified diphtheria toxoids, respectively, had diphtheria antitoxin titres >1 IU ml⁻¹ (estimated to provide protection for at least ten years).

Systemic reactions such as fever and malaise occurred in five children. Local reactions >10 cm were observed in three children and reactions >5 but ⩽10 cm were seen in 14% of the children.

The routinely prepared combined diphtheria and tetanus vaccine, DT, produced very good immunity against diphtheria with moderate side effects. The use of a more purified diphtheria toxoid in the combined vaccine produced the same immunity and side effects.