What should be administered to close contacts of diphtheria patients?

To effectively manage the risk of diphtheria, it is crucial to administer both vaccination and antibiotics to close contacts of diphtheria patients. The vaccination, typically with the diphtheria toxoid booster, helps to ensure that individuals have adequate immunity against the disease, especially if they are not fully vaccinated or their vaccination status is uncertain.

On the other hand, antibiotics are essential in this context as they can eliminate any potential carriers of the bacteria, reducing the risk of further spread. Close contacts are at higher risk of exposure, and the combination of vaccination and antibiotic treatment provides a comprehensive approach to control the infection and protect both the individuals and the community from an outbreak.

In contrast, relying solely on antibiotics or vaccination alone does not provide optimal protection. Antibiotics alone may not sufficiently ensure that individuals are immunized against the disease, while only administering the vaccine could leave asymptomatic carriers at risk of transmission. Additionally, doing nothing unless symptomatic could lead to missed opportunities for prevention and increased risk of diphtheria transmission among those who may not yet show symptoms but are still infectious.