Diphtheria vaccine

In Aotearoa New Zealand, diphtheria vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines as 1 injection and comes in many different brands – Adacel®, Boostrix®, Infanrix-hexa® and Infanrix-IPV®. 

Vaccination with 3 or more doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine is required for full protection, followed by booster vaccinations throughout life.

As part of the New Zealand childhood immunisation schedule, a diphtheria-containing vaccine is offered free to:

• babies at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months as Infanrix-hexa®
• children at 4 years as Infanrix-IPV®.

Read more about childhood immunisation.

Getting the diphtheria vaccine in childhood doesn't offer lifelong immunity, as the effect of the vaccine wears off with time, so booster doses are needed. Booster doses are free for children at 11 years and adults at 65 years of age (Boostrix®). Adults who haven't previously received 4 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine can get Boostrix at 45 years of age.

Read more about immunisation for older children and immunisation for adults.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, it's recommended that you get the Boostrix vaccine during your second or third trimester. Read more about pregnancy and immunisation. 

Travel

If you're planning to travel to countries with a risk of diphtheria infection, make sure you're fully vaccinated against diphtheria. If more than 10 years have passed since your last dose, a booster of low dose diphtheria-containing vaccine is recommended.

These vaccines are usually given intramuscularly (injected into a muscle) in your upper arm or thigh. However, if you are at high risk of bleeding, the vaccine may be given by deep subcutaneous injection (under your skin).  

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. 

A diphtheria-containing vaccine, Boostrix®, is available through some schools for students in Year 7 and can also be given by your doctor, nurse, healthcare provider, and some pharmacies. Find a provider near you on the Healthpoint(external link) website by entering your address.

• If you're eligible for a free vaccination, there won't be a cost for the vaccine, but there may be an administration fee.
• If you're not eligible to get a free vaccination, you will need to pay.
• Pharmacists who are trained as vaccinators can administer Boostrix® to anyone 18 years and over, or 13 years and over if pregnant.

Vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are free. Other vaccines are funded only for people at particular risk of disease. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you're not eligible to receive for free.