The immunization of adults against diphtheria in Sweden

Abstract

Two hundred and three women who disclaimed vaccination against diphtheria were divided into four groups and injected with either 2·0 or 6·25 Lf of a routine diphtheria toxoid or of a more purified preparation. One hundred and twenty-six of these women who did not show a secondary antibody response were given a second and a third injection one month and one year, respectively, after the first injection.

Prebooster (third injection) antitoxin titres of ⩾0·01 IU ml⁻¹ (the minimum level tor protection) were found in 22 and 37% of those who received 2·0 and 6·25 Lf, respectively. Postbooster titres of ⩾1·0 IU ml⁻¹ (calculated to give a protection of at least ten years of duration) were found in 23 and 58% of those who received 2·0 and 6·25 Lf, respectively.

The rate of untoward reactions was low. Fever of short duration occurred in five women. Four out of the five women received 6·25 Lf of the more purified diphtheria toxoid and one 2 Lf of the routine toxoid. Local reactions >10 cm were observed in three women. All received the higher dose, 6·25 Lf of diphtheria toxoid. Local reactions >5 but ⩽10 cm occurred in up to 13% (6·25 Lf of diphtheria toxoid). No significant difference between the groups of women vaccinated with routine or more purified toxoid was found.

It was concluded that the diphtheria toxoids in the two doses of 2 Lf and 6·25 Lf did not induce a satisfactory immune response. To induce adequate protection the dose of diphtheria vaccine needs to be the same for adults and children, i.e. 12·5 Lf.