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Protecting against Diphtheria 

There are diphtheria outbreaks happening in some parts of Australia, especially in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. There have been no cases identified in Victoria to date. 

 

Vaccination is the best way to protect against getting very sick from diphtheria. Everyone should stay up to date with their vaccinations.  

 

Travel to higher risk areas over the school holidays 

If your family is travelling to a higher risk area, the Department of Health recommends that you: 

  • check your family’s diphtheria vaccinations 
  • consider getting vaccinated if you or your family have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the past 5 years. 

 

You can check your diphtheria vaccination records:  

 

You can also check if your family is up to date with other vaccinations before travel in Australia or overseas.  

 

About diphtheria 

Diphtheria is a serious infection. It can affect the skin or the nose, throat and airways. In severe illness, it can affect the heart, kidneys and nerves. 

 

It is spread through close contact with an infected person, through skin sores, or droplets from coughs, sneezes and saliva. Sometimes it can spread through contact with contaminated items such as towels or shared objects. 

 

People who are not fully immunised have higher risk of severe illness. Pregnant women, children aged under 5 years and those with weakened immune systems also have higher risk.  

 

Free diphtheria vaccinations 

Vaccination is free for: 

  • people aged less than 20 years who need a catch-up vaccination 
  • refugees and humanitarian entrants 
  • pregnant women 
  • some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

 

For more information about eligibility, refer to the Department of Health’s diphtheria booster vaccination campaign.  

 

Vaccination is available at your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service. Call ahead to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine.  

 

Please note that there are no restrictions on travel to [Northern Territory/Western Australia/South Australia] based on vaccination status. 

 

Find out more 

For more information, refer to:   

 

 

Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases

Some areas in regional northern Victoria are experiencing a longer mosquito season this year due to recent flooding. While the overall risk is currently low, some mosquitoes may be carrying diseases that make people sick.  

 

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is also available for more Victorians.  

 

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines  

Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain. 

 

The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for: 

  • people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria  
  • until Friday 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit high-risk areas in Victoria or interstate for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning or boating.  

 

For more information: 

  • refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage for a list of high-risk areas 
  • speak to your GP or immunisation provider to check if your family is eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months. 

 

How to help prevent mosquito bites 

To help protect against mosquito bites, families can:  

  • cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing   
  • apply insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when outdoors  
  • limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active 
  • clean up and remove containers and items around the home that may hold water where mosquitoes may breed. 

 

Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).

 

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages: 

 

 

Stay well this winter

Influenza (flu) can be serious, especially for children.  

Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine. The earlier you and your family get vaccinated, the better your protection heading into winter.  

 

Keeping our school community well  

We encourage parents and carers and students to: 

  • wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face 
  • cough or sneeze into your elbow 
  • stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed 
  • stay up to date with your flu vaccinations. 

 

Flu vaccinations 

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. 

Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu, especially babies and toddlers. They can get a free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program. 

You can book a flu vaccine through your GP or pharmacy, or find a flu vaccine near you.  

 

RSV vaccinations for mothers and babies 

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that causes colds and ear infections. In babies, it can cause severe illness like bronchiolitis.  

The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. In Victoria, eligible babies can also get the RSV vaccine until Wednesday 30 September 2026.  

You can speak with your GP or midwife about the vaccine. 

 Protecting against measles 

Measles cases are rising in Victoria and around the world. Returned travellers make up most cases, but local spread has also been detected.

 

Vaccination is the most safe and effective way to protect yourself and others against measles. People need 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be fully protected.

 

To help protect against measles, you should check your family’s measles vaccinations today.

 This is particularly important if you are:

 

· planning any travel

· were born during or after 1966

· were born overseas

 

You can check your measles vaccination records: 

 

· on your Medicare online account through MyGov or by contacting the Australian             Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809

 

· on your personal health records, such as your childhood immunisation records

 

· by speaking to your GP or immunisation provider

 

About measles 

Measles is a viral infection. It spreads easily from airborne droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing, and nose and throat secretions.

 

Symptoms may include:

· fever

· feeling tired or unwell

· cough or runny nose

· sore and red eyes (conjunctivitis)

· diarrhoea – especially in infants.

 

This is usually followed by a red, blotchy, non-itchy rash that often starts on the face before spreading down the body.

 

Measles can cause serious illness and be life-threatening. People who are not fully immunised or have not had a previous measles infection are at increased risk.

 

Pregnant women, children aged under 5 years and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness and complications.

 

If your child develops measles symptoms, you should:

· keep your child home from school and seek medical care and testing

· call the health service and wear a face mask when travelling to and attending the health service

· let our school know if your child has measles, or is being tested for measles

· keep your child at home until well and advised by a health professional.

 

Free measles vaccines

Anyone who does not have 2 doses of measles vaccine, or is unsure, can get a measles vaccine.

 

Free vaccines are available for:

· infants aged 12 months to 18 months

· children and teenagers aged under 20 years

· adult refugees and humanitarian entrants.

 

Free vaccines are also available for anyone with or without a Medicare card if they are:

· born during or after 1966 who have not received 2 doses or are unsure, including people born overseas

· infants from 6 months and before 11 months of age before overseas travel.

 

Vaccination is widely available at your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service. Call ahead to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine.

 

Find out more

For more information, refer to: 

· the Better Health Channel web page How to find your immunisation records 

· the Department of Health for translated resources about measles and measles immunisations

· your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service.