title: [Protection against diphtheria].
abstract: An epidemic of (lethal) diphtheria emerged a few years ago in the former Soviet Union where the vaccination density was low. In order to prevent an outbreak in the Netherlands after import of diphtheria, the Health Council went into the degree of protection and measures to increase it. At least one-third of the population are protected insufficiently; they have neither been re-vaccinated in time, nor have they built up immunity by circulation of Corynebacterium strains. Education and (re-)vaccination of risk groups. such as persons having been in contact with an index patient, would appear to be adequate measures.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Medische Microbiologie, Nijmegen.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hoogkamp-Korstanje
mesh_terms: D004165:Diphtheria / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid