title: Combined diphtheria-tetanus immunization of adults.
abstract: The administration of a combined adult-type diphtheria-tetanus vaccine to a group of 35 adults seeking booster tetanus immunization produced a secondary immune response to the diphtheria antigen in 26. A satisfactory response to the tetanus antigen was noted in all those who gave a reliable history of active tetanus immunization, including eight individuals who had not received a dose of toxoid for 25 to 28 years. No systemic reactions were observed, but significant correlation was found between local reactivity and a high post-booster titre of tetanus antitoxin. Selective use of the combined vaccine instead of tetanus toxoid alone offers a means of raising the diphtheria immunity in the adult population.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000276:immunology*; D004166:Diphtheria Antitoxin / Q000032:analysis; D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology*; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000032:analysis; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D004166:Diphtheria Antitoxin; D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid