Guidance

Diphtheria treatment and vaccination simple text guide

Updated 10 November 2023

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diphtheria-vaccination-resources/diphtheria-treatment-and-vaccination-simple-text-guide

Who is being offered this extra protection?

Everyone arriving to claim asylum in the UK is currently being offered a dose of a diphtheria containing vaccine to reduce the risk of diphtheria and some other infections. This is after a number of cases have been detected in centres for asylum seekers.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious disease.

It usually begins with a sore throat.

The same bacteria can also cause nasty ulcers on the skin, particularly the legs.

It can quickly cause breathing problems.

It can damage the heart and nervous system.

In severe cases, it can kill.

How it is spread

Diphtheria bacteria can live in the mouth, nose, throat or skin of people with the infection.

It can spread when people are close together and they have not been vaccinated.

How it is prevented

Diphtheria vaccination is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme worldwide.

The vaccine is very safe and effective. The disease is now rare in the UK. In countries where immunisation services have been disrupted the infection is more common.

Why this is being offered

If you have not been vaccinated against diphtheria, you are at risk of getting the infection.

When you are travelling to claim asylum and living in crowded places, it can be hard to get medical treatment like your vaccines.

An increase in diphtheria cases has been detected across Europe, mainly in those who have travelled to claim asylum. It seems likely that most infections were acquired in the country of origin, or during travel to the UK, often in crowded and difficult circumstances.

Treatment being offered

To stop the infection spreading further we are offering a dose of vaccine.

If you do develop symptoms of diphtheria, you may need a course of antibiotics and need to go to hospital.

Please ask to see a doctor or call NHS 111 if you experience:

  • a fever
  • sore throat
  • infected skin lesions or ulcers

Those who cannot have the vaccine

There are very few reasons why you cannot receive the vaccine.

If you have any serious allergies or a serious allergic reaction to a previous vaccination please tell a health care professional.

Will this stop you developing diphtheria?

For some people this vaccine may make up for missing a dose earlier in life. This dose will help to start your protection, but you will still need to complete the course once you are settled. Further information is available in various languages.

For other people this vaccine may be an extra dose. This extra dose should help to boost your protection and is very safe.

Will this stop you developing any other illnesses?

The diphtheria vaccine you are being given also provides important protection against polio and tetanus.

Tetanus is also called ‘lockjaw’.

Polio can also cause paralysis, which means when you cannot move your body.

Side effects from the vaccine

You may have some redness, swelling or tenderness in the arm where you have the injection.

You may have a temperature.

You may have a headache.

These symptoms will usually go away after a few days.

Reporting side effects

Please report any suspected side effects:

Find out more

NHS website:

More detailed information is available in the ‘Protecting yourself against diphtheria’ leaflet which is available to download in English.

Order or download print copies

A PDF version of this guide with images, is available to download.

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