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A member asked:
Why are kids under 5 and adults over 60 at risk for diphtheria?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Diphtheria: Children under the age of 5 , most specifically less than 6 months are most vulnerable due to lack of antibodies to counteract the disease. This is the most important reason why these infants should start receiving the vaccine as early as 6 weeks of age.. The risk for diphtheria in adults over 60 is due to waning immunity. This is why receiving regular boosters every 10 years is important.
Answered 7/22/2012
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