Malvern Road
1402 Malvern Road, Glen Iris VIC 3146
Available at
Diphtheria vaccination.
Check you're covered.
How it works.
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Walk in or book ahead - no referral needed
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Brief health check with your pharmacist immuniser
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Vaccinated on the spot, then a 15-minute observation
Who is it recommended for?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the throat, airways and skin. It is rare in Australia because of vaccination, but cases still occur. Diphtheria protection is given as a combined vaccine that also covers tetanus and whooping cough (dTpa).
Recommended for
- Adults aged 50 and 65 years should have a booster if they have not had one in the last 10 years.
- Travellers to countries where diphtheria is more common should have a booster if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.
- Adults who never completed a childhood course should catch up on their doses.
Free under the NIP for
- Pregnant women, in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks
A valid Medicare card is needed for free NIP vaccines. Not sure if you qualify? Come in for a quick chat - your pharmacist will check your eligibility on the spot and confirm any costs before proceeding.
Book in minutes.
Choose a diphtheria vaccination
Select a diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (dTpa) vaccination in our online booking system. Your pharmacist will confirm your eligibility on the day.
Pick a location and time
Choose Malvern Road or Wattletree Road and pick a time that works for you.
Come in
Arrive at your chosen store. Walk-ins are also welcome - just let our team know at the counter.
Available locations.
Walk in or book a diphtheria vaccination at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.
Wattletree Road
284 Wattletree Road, Malvern East VIC 3145
Vaccinations coming soon
Burke Road
153 Burke Road, Glen Iris VIC 3146
Vaccinations coming soon
High Street
1608 High Street, Glen Iris VIC 3146
Meet our vaccinating pharmacists.
Every vaccination is given by a trained pharmacist immuniser who will answer your questions before and after your appointment.
Jenny Heathershaw
Proprietor and Pharmacist
Gavin Ho
Pharmacist immuniser
Ali Abouelhamd
Pharmacist immuniser
Jessy Zhang
Pharmacist immuniser
Thomas Yong
Pharmacist immuniser
Tami Rose
Pharmacist immuniser
Orna Tuckman
Pharmacist immuniser
Questions people actually ask
Do I need a referral?
No. You can walk in or book directly online. Our pharmacist immunisers can give diphtheria vaccines without a referral.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes, and through contact with infected skin sores. It can cause a thick coating at the back of the throat that makes breathing and swallowing difficult, and the toxin it makes can damage the heart and nerves.1
Is diphtheria still a risk in Australia?
Diphtheria is rare in Australia because most people are vaccinated, but cases still occur, mostly in people who are not fully vaccinated. It is more common in some other parts of the world.1 Keeping your boosters up to date helps protect you and the people around you.
Is there a diphtheria-only vaccine?
No. In Australia, diphtheria vaccine is only available as part of combination vaccines. For adults, it is usually given as dTpa, which also covers tetanus and whooping cough.
Who is eligible for a free diphtheria vaccine?
Free diphtheria-containing vaccines are available through the National Immunisation Program for:2
- Pregnant women, in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
Other adults can choose to be vaccinated privately. Costs are confirmed before your appointment.
How often do I need a booster?
After the childhood course, adults are recommended to have a booster at 50 years, and again at 65 years, if they have not had one in the last 10 years.1 Your pharmacist can check your vaccination history on the Australian Immunisation Register.
Do I need a booster before travelling?
If you are travelling to a country where diphtheria is more common and your last dose was more than 10 years ago, a booster is recommended.1 Ask about our travel vaccinations so we can check everything you need in one visit.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and pass within a few days. The most common are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, tiredness, headache and mild fever.1 Your pharmacist will walk you through what to expect before your vaccination.
Can I walk in without booking?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at Malvern Road and Wattletree Road, subject to pharmacist availability. If you would like to guarantee a time, you can book ahead online in a couple of minutes.
How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take under 30 minutes. This includes a brief health check with your pharmacist, the vaccination itself, and a required 15-minute observation period in store afterwards. We recommend arriving 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
1 Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Diphtheria. Australian Immunisation Handbook. immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au
2 Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. National Immunisation Program schedule. health.gov.au
NIP eligibility is subject to current ATAGI and Department of Health and Aged Care recommendations, which are updated periodically. Speak with your pharmacist to confirm current eligibility and recommended dosing schedule for your circumstances. Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. A 15-minute observation period is required after vaccination.
Check you're covered.
Walk in or book online at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.