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.

Mother watches while nurse gives baby a vaccination

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®.

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.

Side effects	What should I do?
Pain, swelling and redness at the injection site Joint pain	This is quite common after having the vaccination. It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days. For injection site swelling or pain, place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. Don't rub the injection site Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you. Read more: After your child is immunised(external link) (babies and children) After your immunisation(external link) (teenagers and adults)
Fever	Babies and children If your child is hot, it can help to undress them down to a single layer, eg, a singlet and nappies or pants. Make sure the room isn't too hot or too cold. Give your child plenty of fluids. The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed. Read more: After your child is immunised.(external link) Teenagers and adults Rest and drink plenty of fluids. The routine use of paracetamol isn't recommended following vaccinations, but may be used for relief of severe discomfort. Read more: After your immunisation(external link) (teenagers and adults).
Signs of an allergic reaction, eg, skin rash, itches, swelling of your face, lips, mouth or problems breathing	Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.

Side effects

What should I do?

Pain, swelling and redness at the injection site
Joint pain

This is quite common after having the vaccination.
It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days.
For injection site swelling or pain, place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time.
Don't rub the injection site
Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you.
Read more:
After your child is immunised(external link) (babies and children)
After your immunisation(external link) (teenagers and adults)

Fever

Babies and children

If your child is hot, it can help to undress them down to a single layer, eg, a singlet and nappies or pants.
Make sure the room isn't too hot or too cold.
Give your child plenty of fluids.
The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed.
Read more: After your child is immunised.(external link)

Teenagers and adults

Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
The routine use of paracetamol isn't recommended following vaccinations, but may be used for relief of severe discomfort.
Read more: After your immunisation(external link) (teenagers and adults).

Signs of an allergic reaction, eg, skin rash, itches, swelling of your face, lips, mouth or problems breathing

Tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.

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.

Diphtheria
Vaccines
Immunisation and vaccine topics | Weronga ārai mate
Vaccine preventable diseases

The following links provide further information on diphtheria-containing vaccines: