03/10/2026
While vaccine rates in the territory are high - unfortunately the same can’t be said for some other parts of Australia - and it’s no longer true for most parts of the world. The UK and the US are both likely to lose their measles free status probably very shortly due to declining vaccine rates.
Measles vaccination is included in the Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children. Children receive their first dose at 12 months and a booster at 18 months.
If you are travelling prior to that with your baby however, it is worth talking to your GP or immunisation provider about whether an early booster might be worthwhile (noting that we may still have to repeat the NIP boosters as scheduled when you return - but if anything this is helpful as it improves measles immunity even further).
If you are an adult born since 1966 who has not received two doses of a measles containing vaccine it’s worth checking in with your immunisation provider about recieving a booster. This is particularly the case if you are travelling, are a health care, child care, disability, or correctional centre worker. Although given that we are seeing an increase in cases with returned travellers I’d argue that if you don’t have documented immunity it is worth getting this checked.
In general if you were born prior to 1966 we consider that you likely have immunity as there was so much wild measles at this time, most people were exposed in childhood. However if you are concerned you can see your GP and have your immunity checked with a simple blood test.
Diphtheria vaccine is given to children as part of the NIP schedule at 2,4 6 and 18 months of age and again at 4 years old. Adolescents then receive a booster between 11-13 years old. Here in the ACT this is given in year 7.
If your child has missed any of these vaccinations you can speak to your GP, who can arrange for them to have a catch up dose covered by the government, and at Manuka Terrace and Gunnning we are always happy to do this.
Diptheria does not come as an individual vaccine in Australia - it’s always combined with tetanus, or tetanus and pertussis. It is recommended to be given to pregnant people in each pregnancy combined with pertussis, and to people who sustain tetanus prone wounds if they have not had a vaccination in the last five years.
Adults over 65 and anyone travelling anywhere where access to health services might be difficult should have a booster if they haven’t recieved one in the last five years.
At the moment there is a diptheria outbreak unfortunately in remote parts of northern Australia - if you’re planning on travelling there anytime soon, or if you have family there - particularly if you’re mob, worth talking to your local GP or Aboriginal health care worker about a booster or a primary course if you haven’t had one before you go.
Both of these might give you a bit of a sore arm, and might make you feel a bit grumpy and sorry for yourself . But measles and diptheria? They’re scary.
Can’t choose for you of course. But I know which one I would and have chosen. Cheers.
A recent outbreak of measles in Adelaide has sparked concern from health authorities, but it's not the only infectious illness making a concerning comeback.
