One of Australia's worst diphtheria outbreaks has highlighted a shortfall in health workers in remote communities as a multimillion-dollar package is rolled out to help contain the disease's spread.
Health Minister Mark Butler reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated, but the peak nursing body said difficulties filling nursing and GP roles in remote and regional areas undermined the ability to meet vaccination targets.
"Now, more than ever, we need strong, secure plans to make sure every part of Australia has proper health coverage," Australian College of Nursing acting chief executive officer Zach Byfield said in a statement.
"We need funding reform that enables nurses to lead vaccination clinics where and when they are needed."
More than 230 diphtheria cases have been recorded across Australia in mostly Indigenous communities - about 30 times the usual yearly average and the biggest outbreak since national records began.
A $7.2 million package will support the Northern Territory and Aboriginal community-controlled health services, which are on the front line of an outbreak that has seen a once‑rare disease return.
About 60 per cent of cases are in the Northern Territory, with more infections in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
Almost all cases have been in Indigenous Australians.
The funding package includes $5.2 million for the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre to send extra doctors and nurses into hard‑hit communities, deliver booster shots and treatment, and buy more vaccines and antibiotics.
Another $2 million will go to national Aboriginal community‑controlled health organisations to work with the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT, local services and other groups in the NT and affected states.
That money will support clear health messages, local community workers and day‑to‑day public health work in towns and remote communities where the disease is spreading.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the size and speed of the outbreak were worrying.
"This is a very serious outbreak of a very serious disease," he said on Thursday.
"It's important we control it, but it's also important that people get vaccines into their arms in affected areas as quickly as possible.
"Because at the end of the day, that is the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you."
Mr Butler said they had enough diphtheria vaccines for everyone and the government was making sure it got to the right communities.
"This package will ensure those Australians that need the vaccine will get access quickly and appropriately."
Diphtheria often begins like a bad cold but can quickly turn deadly. The bacteria produce toxins that can form a thick grey layer in the throat, block the airway and cause suffocation. About a quarter of patients in the current outbreak have needed hospital care.
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Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy urged people not to assume they were fully vaccinated.
"If you are unsure about whether your vaccinations are up to date, speak to your GP or health clinic."
There was misinformation being spread about vaccinations, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the senator said.
"We need to ensure that the right information is getting out to our remote and regional communities," she told the ABC.
