Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause severe illness in unvaccinated individuals, including skin sores (cutaneous diphtheria) and a sore throat (respiratory diphtheria).
Diphtheria is spread by direct skin contact with people who have infected sores or by coughing and sneezing from people with respiratory diphtheria.
Vaccination remains the most important measure for preventing, protecting and reducing transmission.
NT Health is working with community organisations to undertake a Territory-wide vaccination program to address the outbreak starting with a staged approach focussing on vulnerable people and at-risk areas.
NT Health continues to engage and consult with Aboriginal health organisations and primary care services to inform the community and raise awareness.
NT Health is working with the Commonwealth Government to secure additional vaccines and to increase vaccination rates in the Territory.
Vaccination is free under the National Immunisation Program for people under 20 years of age. Children are routinely vaccinated against diphtheria at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, 4 years and 12 years.
Parents should check their child's vaccination status with their health care provider to make sure they are up to date with the NT immunisation schedule.
Pregnant women from 20 weeks of pregnancy are also eligible for a free vaccination.
Adults should get a booster dose every 10 years.
Territorians can get the vaccine at their local GP, Aboriginal health clinic, remote community clinic, community care centres, and participating pharmacies.
