Universal booster jabs soon to fight Diphtheria

Kozhikode: In the wake of the re-emergence of diphtheria, especially in elders, at least two district authorities have approached the directorate of health services (DHS) with proposals to launch booster vaccination for all. Suggestions for the booster vaccination once in 10 years went from Malappuram and Kozhikode district medical offices.

“Vaccination against diphtheria is given at the age of one (Pentavalent), five (DPT), then ten and 15," said Malappuram deputy district medical officer (DMO) Dr R. Renuka. "Earlier, diphtheria was under control hence no need to take booster dosage as one grows up. But now, the disease has made a strong comeback due to the resistance to immunisation. Besides, increasing migrant population also poses the threat of the airborne disease.”

To materialise the proposal the government has to take a policy decision. As many as 18 diphtheria cases were reported this year, four from Kozhikode and the rest from Malappuram. After the outbreak last year in Malappuram, the health department had initiated administering Td vaccine to unimmunized or partially immunised children under 16.

This year, the same vaccine is being prescribed to all primary contacts of the affected. In Kozhikode, all the people from the disease hit areas are recommended for taking Td vaccine. Now, the proposal is for Td booster to all of the state irrespective of age.