Diphtheria Vaccination

Stay up to date with your adult boosters to protect against this serious bacterial infection.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that affects the throat, airways, and sometimes the skin. While widespread vaccination has made it rare in Australia, the disease remains a risk, particularly for those travelling overseas or for older adults whose childhood immunity has faded.

In Australia, the diphtheria vaccine is not given on its own. Instead, it is administered as a highly effective combination booster that also protects against tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). At Moss Vale Community Pharmacy, our qualified pharmacist immunisers can safely administer this combination vaccine (often referred to as dTpa), ensuring your immunity remains strong throughout your adult life.

Understanding the Combination Vaccine (dTpa)

Because immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough decreases over time, adults require regular boosters. Receiving the combination vaccine is the most efficient way to maintain your defences against all three diseases with a single injection.

Who Needs a Booster?

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis booster for several key groups:

• Adults at 50 and 65 years of age: To top up waning childhood immunity.
• Travellers: Especially those visiting regions where diphtheria remains common (such as parts of Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe).
• Pregnant Women: Recommended during every pregnancy (ideally between 20 and 32 weeks) primarily to pass whooping cough antibodies to the newborn, which simultaneously boosts the mother’s diphtheria and tetanus protection.
• Anyone with a tetanus-prone wound: If it has been more than 5 years since your last dose.
• Healthcare and childcare workers: To protect both themselves and vulnerable people in their care.

How Our Pharmacy Service Works

Getting vaccinated at Moss Vale Community Pharmacy is simple, safe, and convenient:

1. Pre-Screening: We will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire to confirm the vaccine is clinically appropriate for you and to check for any allergies.
2. Private Consultation: Your pharmacist will explain the vaccine, discuss potential mild side effects, and answer any questions in our private consultation room.
3. Administration: The vaccine is administered quickly into the deltoid muscle of your upper arm.
4. Observation: For your safety, we require you to remain in the pharmacy for 15 minutes following the injection to monitor for any rare allergic reactions.
5. Record Updating: We automatically upload your vaccination details to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), ensuring your My Health Record is instantly updated.

Resources and Further Information

For more detailed information regarding the diphtheria vaccine and adult immunisation schedules, you can consult the following trusted Australian resources:

• Healthdirect Australia – Diphtheria: Comprehensive medical information on the symptoms, causes, and prevention of diphtheria.
• The Australian Immunisation Handbook: Clinical guidelines and recommendations for all vaccines available in Australia.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general health education purposes only[cite: 1]. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment[cite: 1]. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition[cite: 1]. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately[cite: 1]. Information was current at the time of publication[cite: 1].