Persistence of Diphtheria, Hyderabad, India, 2003–2006

Abstract

During 2003–2006, diphtheria rates in Hyderabad, India, were higher among persons 5–19 years of age, women, and Muslims than among other groups. Vaccine was efficacious among those who received >4 doses. The proportion of the population receiving boosters was low, especially among Muslims. We recommend increasing booster dose coverage.

Keywords

• Diphtheria
• vaccine coverage
• vaccine efficacy
• India
• dispatch