Indonesia's Diphtheria Immunity Plummets Over Years

Indonesian children are not fully protected against diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and even death. Despite receiving diphtheria-containing vaccines as part of the national immunization program, many young people in Indonesia lack adequate immunity, with only 71-84% showing protection against the disease. The study found that children's immune levels vary by age, with younger kids having lower levels than older ones. Factors such as complete vaccination and maternal education also play a role in determining whether children are protected against diphtheria.