The diphtheria vaccine is an inactivated toxin known as toxoid. The DTaP, DT, Td, and Tdap preparations are given as an injection in the anterolateral thigh muscle (for infants and young toddlers) or in the deltoid muscle (for older children and adults).

Recommended age of administration:
 
DTaP should be received by the infants as part of their routine immunization. Adults should be given a routine booster dose of Td every 10 years. A single dose of Tdap is recommended for person of age 11 years and older in place of one of the Td doses, preferably the first one. The usual schedule for infants is a series of four doses given at two, four, six, and 15-18 months of age. A fifth shot, or booster dose, is recommended at 4-6 years of age. The immunity to diphtheria fades with time so individual should receive a booster dose every 10 years.