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Official Description

Diphtheria toxoid, for intramuscular use

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Diphtheria toxoid is a vaccine designed to provide long-lasting immunity against diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection. The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies that specifically target and neutralize the toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria. The process of creating the toxoid involves culturing the bacteria in a controlled liquid medium, followed by purification and inactivation of the toxic substance they produce. This results in a non-live vaccine that is safe for administration. Due to the nature of toxoid vaccines, which do not contain live pathogens, it is essential to administer booster doses periodically to maintain immunity, as the protective effects can diminish over time. The CPT® Code 90719 specifically refers to the diphtheria toxoid vaccine administered via intramuscular injection, and it is important to note that this code solely represents the product used, rather than the administration process or any associated services.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The diphtheria toxoid vaccine is indicated for the prevention of diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The vaccine is recommended for individuals to help protect against the disease, particularly in populations at risk or during outbreaks. The following conditions warrant the administration of the diphtheria toxoid:

  • Prevention of Diphtheria The primary indication for administering the diphtheria toxoid is to prevent diphtheria infection, which can lead to severe respiratory issues, heart complications, and even death.
  • Booster Immunization Individuals who have previously received the diphtheria vaccine may require booster doses to maintain adequate immunity, especially as immunity can wane over time.
  • Travel to Endemic Areas Individuals traveling to regions where diphtheria is more prevalent may be advised to receive the vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Procedure

The administration of the diphtheria toxoid vaccine involves several key procedural steps to ensure safety and efficacy. The following outlines the procedure:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Prior to vaccination, a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history is conducted to identify any contraindications or previous allergic reactions to vaccines. This step is crucial to ensure the patient's safety during the administration of the toxoid.
  • Step 2: Preparation of the Vaccine The diphtheria toxoid is prepared for administration by ensuring that it is stored at the appropriate temperature and is not expired. The healthcare provider will inspect the vial for any particulate matter or discoloration before drawing the appropriate dose into a sterile syringe.
  • Step 3: Administration The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, typically into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm for adults and older children, or into the anterolateral thigh for infants and young children. Proper injection technique is followed to minimize discomfort and ensure effective delivery of the vaccine.
  • Step 4: Post-Administration Observation After the injection, the patient is monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions, such as allergic responses. This observation period is essential for patient safety.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the administration of the diphtheria toxoid vaccine, patients may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue. These effects are generally short-lived and resolve without intervention. It is important for patients to be informed about these potential reactions and to report any unusual or severe symptoms to their healthcare provider. Additionally, patients should be advised on the importance of receiving booster doses as recommended to maintain immunity against diphtheria. Documentation of the vaccination should be recorded in the patient's medical record, including the date of administration, the vaccine lot number, and the site of injection.

Short Descr DIPHTHERIA VACCINE IM
Medium Descr DIPHTHERIA TOXOID INTRAMUSCULAR
Long Descr Diphtheria toxoid, for intramuscular use
Status Code Excluded from Physician Fee Schedule by Regulation
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations
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Notes
2016-01-01 Deleted Deleted
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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