The Western Australia Department of Health has expanded its diphtheria vaccination program to include the Midwest region and extended eligibility to all Aboriginal people across the state. This move follows a surge in cases, with 170 reported across the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Goldfields regions, marking a significant public health response to a disease that had been previously very rare in Australia.
Why is the vaccination program expanding to the Midwest?
Health officials identified evidence of diphtheria transmission in the Midwest, prompting the immediate expansion of the vaccination drive. According to the Western Australia Department of Health, this effort aims to curb the spread of the bacteria and prevent severe health complications in both Aboriginal communities and other groups at increased risk of exposure.
The state has now recorded 170 cases of the infection. The vast majority of these—135 cases—are located in the Kimberley. The Pilbara region accounts for 31 cases, while the Goldfields has reported four. Nationwide, a total of 413 cases of diphtheria have been notified in Australia in 2026, including 410 confirmed cases and three probable cases, including Northern Territory and South Australia.
Respiratory diphtheria had not been seen in WA for more than 50 years.
What are the clinical risks of the current outbreak?
While the current outbreak includes both skin and throat infections, health authorities are prioritizing the prevention of respiratory complications. Dr Paul Armstrong, Director Communicable Disease Control Directorate, stated that while most cases are cutaneous, respiratory diphtheria remains a serious concern.
“Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the skin or throat,” Dr Armstrong said. “While most recent cases in Western Australia have involved skin infections, severe respiratory diphtheria can be life-threatening and can lead to complications.” Of the 170 cases, 104 involved skin infections, while 66 involved the throat, including two severe respiratory cases.
Who is eligible for the expanded vaccination program?
The state is targeting catch-up vaccinations for children and adolescents under the National Immunisation Program. Additionally, the government has widened access for adults who have not received a diphtheria-containing vaccine in the past five years. Eligibility now extends to:
- All Aboriginal people living in Western Australia.
- Residents of the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, or Midwest regions.
- Healthcare workers and frontline staff who have regular face-to-face contact with Aboriginal communities in those specific regions, even if they do not reside there.
How is the state managing vaccine supply?
The Department of Health has already distributed almost 15,000 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine across the affected regions. These doses supplement the standard supply provided under the National Immunisation Program. Officials confirmed that additional supplies are available as required.
Check your immunization records if you live or work in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, or Midwest regions. If it has been more than five years since your last diphtheria booster, contact your local health clinic to confirm your eligibility for the current catch-up program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diphtheria common in Australia?
No. Diphtheria was previously very rare in Australia due to high vaccination rates and improved living conditions.
What is the difference between skin and respiratory diphtheria?
Cutaneous (skin) infections involve skin, while respiratory diphtheria involves the throat and can be life-threatening. Both are caused by the same bacteria.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Vaccination activities are currently underway across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, and now the Midwest.
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