Diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by bacteria. Anyone who has not been immunized can contract diphtheria.

Symptoms of diphtheria include:

• sore throat;
• fever;
• difficulty breathing;

Diphtheria can be very serious, especially in infants and very young children. It used to be one of the leading causes of death in Canadian children under the age of 5.

Fortunately, diphtheria can be prevented by vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your children. Thanks to vaccination, fewer than 5 cases of diphtheria have been reported each year in Canada over the past 20 years.

Source: Health Canada