Diphtheria, a disease that is rare in the United States due to routine childhood immunization, continues to be reported in parts of Europe. In the U.S., infants receive protection from diphtheria through the DTaP vaccine series, which is administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with additional booster doses at 15-18 months and again at 4-6 years. Fewer than one case per year is typically reported in the country.
In contrast, European health authorities have noted ongoing cases. According to an update from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there were more than 300 cases during a larger outbreak in 2022. From 2023 through July 2025, six countries—Austria, Czechia, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Switzerland—reported a total of 82 diphtheria cases. High vaccination rates across Europe have helped keep these numbers limited. Health officials emphasize that these cases highlight how pathogens responsible for diseases like diphtheria can persist and re-emerge if given the opportunity.
The public can access further information about current diphtheria activity in Europe as well as details on diphtheria vaccines through official resources.
In related news about immunization practices, Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, recently spoke with Vox regarding why children receive multiple vaccines according to a specific schedule. The video segment explores how the schedule is designed based on disease characteristics and infant immune system development.
“Watch the video.”
