Australians are being urged to visit a community pharmacy to check their vaccination status for diphtheria, following a significant increase in cases reported nationally in 2026.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Vice President Simon Blacker said vaccinations are vital at every age. The largest proportion of new cases has been occurring in adults aged 25-44 years who accounted for 46% of cases.1
"Community pharmacists can quickly and easily help people check their vaccination records, provide expert advice and, where appropriate, administer diphtheria‑containing vaccines — often with no appointment required," said Mr Blacker.
"Diphtheria is affecting Australians well beyond childhood, particularly younger and middle‑aged adults. We know significant numbers of people are not up to date for their boosters."2
"Checking your vaccination status is a simple step, and community pharmacies are uniquely placed to make that process fast, accessible and convenient."
Community pharmacists across Australia access and update the Australian Immunisation Register, helping patients understand whether they are fully protected and providing tailored advice based on age, risk and local requirements.
Mr Blacker added "A quick visit to your local community pharmacy will give you the information you need. It's particularly important if you can't recall when you had your last vaccination; haven't had a booster in over 10 years; are working with vulnerable people, or if you are pregnant."
Pharmacists are authorised to administer diphtheria‑containing vaccines across Australia, with age eligibility varying by state and territory:
- All states and territories: vaccinations available from 5 years of age
- Queensland and South Australia: pharmacists can vaccinate from birth
- Northern Territory: pharmacists can vaccinate children from 2 years of age
There are more than 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia, many open evenings and weekends, providing frontline healthcare access when other services may be limited or unavailable.
"You don't need to book ahead or wait weeks for an appointment. You can simply walk into your local pharmacy and get advice from a trusted health professional."
To find a pharmacy offering vaccination services, visit Find a Pharmacy.
- Australian CDC, using National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). The report shows 117 confirmed cases of diphtheria recorded between 1 January and 27 April 2026.
- In 2023, 70% of Australian adults (50+ years) were not up to date for tetanus and diptheria boosters: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/221/4/tetanus-pertussis-and-diphtheria-vaccination-coverage-older-adults-australia
