Wellbeing

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:  

• 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, immunisation provider or Aboriginal Health Service. 

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.