Should I get vaccinated?

The tetanus vaccine and diphtheria vaccine is recommended for everyone living in Australia. It is part of the National Immunisation Program and is free for children. It’s also a really important jab for travellers and is a standard vaccination for South America, Africa, Bali, Europe and elsewhere around the world.

It’s a two-for-one! Two different diseases that are vaccinated against in a single jab.

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects your nervous system. It is usually contracted from “dirty injuries”, such as puncture wounds that have rust, soil, faeces (poo) or saliva in them.

Diphtheria is also caused by bacteria and it attacks the throat. It can be passed through bodily fluids and droplets in the air, which form when someone coughs or sneezes.

Both diseases can be fatal so vaccination is very important.

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How do I get vaccinated?

You can be protected from both diseases with a single shot.

Under the National Immunisation Program, the jab is free for children and young people. At-risk (e.g. refugee, asylum seeker, pregnant, lab work) adults can also get vaccinated for free.

The vaccine lasts for 5 to 10 years so consider getting a booster for both diseases if you haven’t had one for a long time.

It’s best to get vaccinated a few weeks before travel. If you get hurt in Australia and are worried about tetanus, come in as soon as possible for a tetanus jab. If you’re on holiday, visit the nearest healthcare practitioner.

We can also help you with other vaccinations, health advice, and travel essentials such as hand sanitiser and over-the-counter medicines and first aid kits.

Tetanus symptoms & facts

The most common symptom of tetanus is painful muscle contractions, particularly around the jaw, throat and neck – this gives tetanus its other name, “lockjaw”. It can cause trouble with swallowing and breathing and can even cause fits and heart problems.

The bacteria, Clostridium tetani, leaves spores in places like soil and manure, which can then get into your body if you have an injury that breaks the skin. The bacteria exists in Australia and overseas.

Diphtheria symptoms & facts

The bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae release toxins that cause inflammation and soreness in the throat, which can make swallowing and breathing difficult. It also commonly causes swollen glands in the neck, weakness and fever.

In some cases, the toxins can also affect other organs and the nervous system, and this is sometimes fatal.

Diphtheria is uncommon in Australia because of our high vaccination rates, but can be acquired overseas or brought back to Australia from other countries. This includes places in the South Pacific and South-east Asia, as well as Eastern Europe, South and Central America and the Middle East.

Preventing disease

Any time you get an injury, clean the wound as best as possible and seek medical attention for puncture wounds or wounds that are dirty.

Always practice good personal hygiene with regular hand washing or sanitising.

If you start noticing symptoms of either tetanus or diphtheria, seek medical advice immediately.