---
title: Immunisation is the Only Safeguard Against Diphtheria - Now is the Time to Have it Done
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-immunisation-only-safeguard-diphtheria-now-1939/
description: A red triangle and the heading 'THE DANGER' lead into figures of 60,000 cases and 3,000 deaths a year, then a question-and-answer panel on immunisation
section: Collection
---

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3. Immunisation is the Only Safeguard Against Diphtheria - Now

[![Immunisation is the Only Safeguard Against Diphtheria - Now is the Time to Have it Done, 1939 UK poster: A red triangle](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-immunisation-only-safeguard-diphtheria-now-1939.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/uk-immunisation-only-safeguard-diphtheria-now-1939.jpg)

# Immunisation is the Only Safeguard Against Diphtheria - Now is the Time to Have it Done

A red triangle and the heading 'THE DANGER' lead into figures of 60,000 cases and 3,000 deaths a year, then a question-and-answer panel on immunisation and a closing 'Now is the time to have it done'. The opening statistics about children's deaths are the fear appeal; the answers that follow are plain factual instruction.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Fear appeal](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/fear-appeal/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
THE DANGER
Every year diphtheria strikes down some 60,000 victims-most of them children under ten.
Every year 3,000 of these victims die-most of them babies not five years old.

WHAT IS DIPHTHERIA ? It is a highly infectious and dangerous disease, caused by germs that enter the nose and throat from the breath of other children. It has nothing to do with drains or dirt.

WHAT IS IMMUNISATION ? Immunisation consists of two, or at most three, injections of a few drops of a specially prepared substance that helps the body to strengthen its natural defences against diphtheria. Good health and a good home are no guarantee against diphtheria germs.

IMMUNISATION IS THE ONLY SAFEGUARD AGAINST DIPHTHERIA

IS IT THE SAME AS VACCINATION ? No. Vaccination protects against smallpox. Immunisation protects against diphtheria only.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE ? About the first birthday, because the younger the child the greater the risk of death from diphtheria. Another single dose should be given when the child begins school. But it is never too late, and every child between 1 and 15 should be immunised.
DOES IT UPSET THE CHILD ? No. The injection is no more than a pinprick and causes no pain. Children go home and play immediately afterwards. In a few cases there may be a slight swelling but no scar will be left, and there is no need to wear a red ribbon.

Remember-Immunisation is the only safeguard against diphtheria
NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE IT DONE
```

[← Immunisation Is the Only Safeguard](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-immunisation-is-the-only-safeguard-1939/) [Immunisation Is Simple, Safe & Free →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/uk-immunisation-simple-safe-free-1939/)

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