Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the throat, nose and skin. It can spread from person to person and may cause severe illness. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.

This page provides information about diphtheria symptoms, treatment and prevention, vaccination recommendations, and resources for healthcare professionals.

Current diphtheria outbreak information

There is a current outbreak of diphtheria in South Australia mainly affecting Aboriginal people from remote communities linked to a larger outbreak in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The outbreak is mostly impacting communities in remote northern and western regions of South Australia.

The risk to the broader South Australian community is considered to be very low.

Vaccination is the most effective protection against severe illness due to diphtheria

Who should be vaccinated?

The South Australian Diphtheria Outbreak Response Immunisation Program provides free vaccination for eligible priority groups in response to increased diphtheria cases in Aboriginal communities.

Priority groups include:

  • All Aboriginal people aged 10 years and older who have not had a diphtheria-containing vaccination in the past 5 years and non-Aboriginal family members.
  • Healthcare and frontline workers who work in the program priority areas below, as well as those who work regularly with people from these areas visiting other parts of the state if more than 5 years since their last diphtheria containing vaccination.
  • High risk contacts of a confirmed diphtheria case who have not had a diphtheria-containing vaccination in the past 12 months.
  • Low risk contacts who have not had a diphtheria-containing vaccination in the past 5 years.

Diphtheria (outbreak response) Immunisation Program priority areas include:

  • Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands
  • Oak Valley
  • Yalata
  • Ceduna (and surrounds)
  • Oodnadatta
  • Coober Pedy
  •  As well as visitors from these communities to Adelaide, Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Whyalla.

Go to Diphtheria Outbreak Response Immunisation Program to find out where to get vaccinated and check your eligibility.

Learn how to recognise the signs of diphtheria, reduce the risk of infection, and check whether your vaccinations are up to date.