Diphtheria vaccine
Also called diphtheria-containing vaccines
Key points about diphtheria vaccines
- Diphtheria vaccines protect against diphtheria infection.
- In Aotearoa New Zealand, the diphtheria vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines as one injection and is available in many different brands – Adacel®, Boostrix®, Infanrix-hexa® and Infanrix-IPV®.
- Find out about the vaccines and possible side effects.

Diphtheria vaccine offers protection against diphtheria infection. This is a serious disease that can quickly lead to breathing problems. It's caused by bacteria that attack the lining of your nose, mouth and throat. It can damage your heart and, in severe cases, it can lead to death.
Diphtheria is now rare in Aotearoa New Zealand thanks to vaccination. However, there's still a risk that diphtheria could enter New Zealand from overseas. Read more about diphtheria.
Being vaccinated causes your body to produce antibodies against the bacteria that cause diphtheria. By first coming across a non-infectious version of the bacteria in the vaccine, it learns to recognise it. When it comes across it again, your body can react much faster and more effectively to prevent an infection.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, a diphtheria vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines as 1 injection and comes in many different brands – Adacel® (for adults who are not eligible for a free vaccine), 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 Aotearoa 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're 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.
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Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.
A diphtheria-containing vaccine, Boostrix® or Adacel®, 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'll need to pay.
- Pharmacists who are trained as vaccinators can administer Boostrix® or Adacel® to anyone 18 years and over, or 13 years and over if pregnant.
- A small number of pharmacists who have done extended training can administer any vaccination on the National Immunisaton Schedule(external link), including those for babies. Always call your pharmacy ahead of time to find out if they offer this service, the cost and whether you need to make an appointment.
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.
The following links provide further information on diphtheria-containing vaccines:
- The New Zealand National Immunisation Schedule(external link)
- Tips following immunisation(external link) Immunise, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Medsafe Consumer Information
Year 7 immunisation for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) (BOOSTRIX™ Vaccine)(external link) HealthEd, NZ, 2023 Chinese simplified(external link)(external link), Chinese traditional(external link), Cook Islands Māori(external link), English(external link), Hindi(external link), te reo Māori(external link), Samoan(external link), Tongan(external link)
References
- Diphtheria(external link) The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
- Boostrix(external link) The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
- Infanrix-hexa(external link) The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
- Infanrix-IPV(external link) The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
- Diphtheria(external link) National Immunisation Handbook, 2020
Brochures
Medicines and side effects
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English, te reo Māori
Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland
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