Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection which can affect the nose, throat, airways and skin. It can cause breathing difficulties and may lead to serious complications affecting the heart and nervous system. Although diphtheria is rare in Australia, outbreaks can still occur, with cases recently found in the Northern Territory in 2026.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from serious disease caused by diphtheria.
The diphtheria vaccination is available as a combination vaccine which also helps to protect against tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis), and some combination vaccinations may also help protect against poliomyelitis. Your immuniser will be able to provide advice as to which vaccine is suitable for you.
The number of diphtheria vaccine doses will be determined by your immuniser after review of your circumstance and vaccination history.
Who is recommended to receive diphtheria vaccination?
- Everyone as part of their routine childhood and adolescent vaccination schedule
- Routine booster vaccination in adults, including those in special risk groups such as:
- Pregnant women
- Laboratory workers
- Travellers to countries where health services are difficult to access
- People who have missed doses of diphtheria-containing vaccination
Who is eligible for a free diphtheria vaccination?
The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides free diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis containing vaccines to eligible Medicare card holders, these include:
- Children aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years of age (not available in pharmacy)
- Adolescents aged 12–13 years through school-based vaccination programs
- Pregnant women
- People aged up to 20 years who did not receive this vaccination in childhood
- Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age who did not receive this vaccination in childhood
Some states and territories have funded programs for high-risk groups. To check if you are eligible for a state-funded vaccine, click the link below:
For more information on diphtheria please click here.
Please note, NIP vaccines can be limited, and not all pharmacies or pharmacist immunisers will have access to these free vaccines at the time of your appointment.
If you believe you may be eligible for a free vaccine, it is recommended that you speak with your pharmacist prior to making your appointment to confirm availability of the free vaccine.
If you do not meet the NIP eligibility, or the pharmacy does not have the free vaccines available at the pharmacy, they will discuss your options with you.