One hundred unselected adult volunteers received an adult diphtheria (<2 Lf)-tetanus (?40 IU) adsorbed vaccine without prior Schick testing. No volunteer had a moderate or severe reaction although 39% complained of a transient sore arm. Only 10% reported local erythema. Of the study group, 37/43 (86%) patients who were initially seronegative for diphtheria attained levels normally considered as seropositive. The results confirm the safety and efficacy of adult diphtheria – tetanus vaccine and allow its recommendation for use in ‘at risk’ individuals without the need for prior Schick testing.
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