Immunisation Weekly Update:

1. Re-emergence of diphtheria – ensure your patients are vaccinated 
2. World Immunisation Week 
3. Co-administration of influenza and pertussis vaccination safe during pregnancy 
4. Education 

Re-emergence of diphtheria – ensure your patients are vaccinated 

The Australian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) have issued a statement warning about the re-emergence of respiratory diphtheria, and overall increase in diphtheria cases in Northern and Central Australia since late 2025.  

Diphtheria was a significant contributor to childhood death historically, with over 4000 deaths in Australia between 1926 and 1935. However, following the introduction of vaccination in the 1930s, the disease was almost eradicated. The disease is extremely serious; even with treatment, up to 1 in 10 people with respiratory symptoms die.  

Vaccine coverage has decreased since the COVID pandemic, contributing to the re-emergence of the infection. For one year olds, coverage has dropped from 94.8% in 2020 to 90.5% in 2025. For two year olds, the rate has dropped from 92.1% to 88.4%.  

It is critical that healthcare providers check that their patients are up to date with diphtheria vaccinations and ensure that they impress the importance of these vaccinations to patients; especially parents of young children.  

Diphtheria vaccination is funded as part of the National Immunisation Program as a 5-dose childhood schedule (2, 4, 6, 18 months and 4 years) using combination vaccines, and adolescents at 11-13 years of age. A booster is also recommended for adults at 50 years of age.  

World Immunisation Week 

World Immunisation Week is running from 24-30 April 2026 with the theme “For every generation, vaccines work”.  

It aims to promote how vaccines have safely protected families and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.   

Access the 2026 campaign materials here, including quick tips for health workers for improving vaccination uptake.  

World Immunisation Week is a great opportunity for your practice to promote the importance of vaccines, especially leading into the southern hemisphere’s flu season. This can be as simple as taking the opportunity to review a patient’s immunisation history during an appointment to see whether they are due for any vaccines.  

If you are interested in implementing immunisation QI activities at your practice, review the CESPHN Immunisation QI webpage or contact us at immunisation@cesphn.com.au.  

Co-administration of influenza and pertussis vaccination safe during pregnancy 

A new NCIRS study of almost 14,000 pregnant people in New South Wales has identified no safety concerns associated with receiving influenza and pertussis vaccines on the same day during pregnancy. 

Researchers compared pregnancy, birth and neonatal outcomes among women who received both vaccines at the same visit with women who received only the pertussis vaccine at a similar stage of pregnancy. 

The study found no increased risk in any of the assessed adverse outcomes when influenza and pertussis vaccines were given together during pregnancy. These outcomes included pre-term birth, babies being small for gestational age or low birthweight. 

Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 24 April 2026. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register 

Education