Kerala: Caregivers to receive TD vaccine

Thiruvananthapuram: Health department doctors, nursing staff and para medics will be provided vaccine coverage against diphtheria. The health secretary has already issued directions to the department to provide required vaccine supply in all health service institutions. The direction comes in the wake of the demand placed by Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA).

“When you get exposed to open cases of diphtheria the chances of getting infection is quite high. ENT doctors, paediatricians, physicians , staff nurses and those involved in treatment and management of the disease are prone to get the infection,” said KGMOA state secretary Dr A K Raoof.

He said Td vaccine which was given to people in the age group of 7 to 16, could be administrated to adults as well. He said the highest number of cases had been reported in Malappuram district and the health authorities were taking extra precaution there.

The highest risk factor for developing diphtheria is not getting immunised against the disease. Other factors include crowding, immune suppression and direct or indirect contact with an infected individuals. The directorate of medical education has already asked to provide vaccine cover to doctors treating such patients in Kozhikode medical college.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that usually damages human tissue. The initial symptoms of diphtheria are flu-like but worsen to include fever, swallowing problems, hoarseness, enlarged lymph nodes, cough and shortness of breath.