In short: Australia's National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free childhood vaccinations that protect babies and children against serious, preventable diseases. Vaccines are given at set ages from birth through the early years, and are free for children with a Medicare number. Keeping your child up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect their health.
Why Are Childhood Vaccinations Important?
Vaccines protect children against diseases that can cause serious illness, long-term complications or, in some cases, death. Many of these diseases — such as whooping cough, measles and meningococcal disease — can be especially dangerous for babies and young children.
Vaccination also protects the wider community. When most children are vaccinated, diseases find it harder to spread, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns and people with certain medical conditions. This is sometimes called community (or "herd") immunity.
What Is the National Immunisation Program Schedule?
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule is a series of vaccinations given at specific ages. It is designed so that children are protected as early as safely possible, often before they are most at risk.
Childhood vaccines on the schedule protect against diseases including:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis)
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal disease
- Rotavirus
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Meningococcal disease
- Chickenpox (varicella)
The specific vaccines and ages are updated from time to time, so it is worth checking the current schedule (linked below) or asking your GP for the most up-to-date information.
When Are Childhood Vaccines Given?
Childhood immunisations are given in a series across the first few years of life. In general, vaccines are scheduled:
- At birth (the first hepatitis B vaccine)
- At 2, 4 and 6 months of age
- At 12 and 18 months of age
- At around 4 years of age, before starting school
Later in childhood, additional vaccines (such as those given through school programs in adolescence) continue this protection. Your GP can map out exactly which vaccines are due and when for your child.
Are Childhood Vaccines Free?
Most childhood vaccinations are free under the National Immunisation Program if your child has a Medicare number. The vaccines themselves are provided at no cost, although your health professional may charge a consultation fee for the visit. Our reception team can explain any costs when you book.
Catch-Up Vaccinations
If your child has missed some vaccines, they can usually still receive them free under the NIP. Catch-up vaccinations are available for free up until a person turns 20 years of age (and to 25 years of age for the HPV vaccine). Your GP can arrange a catch-up plan so your child gets back on track.
Immunisation and Family Payments
In Australia, a child's immunisation status is linked to some family payments. If a child is not up to date with the routine vaccines on the NIP schedule (without an approved exemption), their family may not be eligible for the full Family Tax Benefit Part A or for child care fee assistance — a policy often called "No Jab, No Pay." Keeping your child up to date helps avoid any impact on these payments.
What to Expect on the Day
Vaccination visits are quick. To help things go smoothly:
- Bring your child's records and Medicare card
- Dress your child in clothing that makes their arms or legs easy to reach
- Cuddling, feeding or distracting your child can help comfort them
Most children have only mild reactions, which may include:
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the needle was given
- A low fever
- Being more unsettled, sleepy or irritable for a day or two
These reactions usually settle on their own within a day or two. Your GP or nurse can advise on simple comfort measures. If your child has a high fever, a reaction that worries you, or any sign of a severe allergic reaction, seek medical care promptly.
Keeping Track of Your Child's Vaccines
Your child's vaccinations are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, and you can view their immunisation history through your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app. This is useful for childcare, school enrolment and catch-ups.
Childhood Immunisation at Our Truganina Clinic
Our GPs and nurses provide childhood vaccinations and can check whether your child is up to date, arrange catch-up vaccines, and answer any questions you have. We can also combine this with a child health check to review your child's growth and development.
To book your child's immunisations, book online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines does my child need and when?
Childhood vaccines are given in a series, generally at birth, at 2, 4 and 6 months, at 12 and 18 months, and at around 4 years of age, with further vaccines later in childhood. They protect against diseases such as whooping cough, measles, meningococcal disease and polio. The exact vaccines and ages are set by the National Immunisation Program Schedule, which your GP can confirm for your child.
Are childhood immunisations free in Australia?
Most childhood vaccinations are free under the National Immunisation Program if your child has a Medicare number. The vaccines are provided at no cost, although your health professional may charge a consultation fee for the visit. If your child has missed vaccines, free catch-up vaccinations are usually available up to 20 years of age.
What if my child has missed some vaccinations?
If your child has missed vaccines, they can usually still receive them free under the National Immunisation Program, generally up until they turn 20 (and to 25 for the HPV vaccine). Your GP can review your child's history and arrange a catch-up plan to get them back on track. It is worth booking a visit to sort this out.
Are childhood vaccines safe, and what side effects are normal?
Vaccines used in Australia are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety. Most children have only mild, short-lived reactions, such as a sore arm or leg, a low fever, or being more unsettled for a day or two. These usually settle on their own. Serious reactions are rare. If a reaction worries you, contact your GP, and seek urgent care for any sign of a severe allergic reaction.
Does my child's immunisation affect family payments?
Yes. A child's immunisation status is linked to some family payments in Australia. If a child is not up to date with the routine NIP vaccines, without an approved exemption, their family may not be eligible for the full Family Tax Benefit Part A or for child care fee assistance. Keeping your child up to date helps avoid any impact on these payments.
How can I check my child's immunisation history?
Your child's vaccinations are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register. You can view their immunisation history through your Medicare online account via myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. This record is useful for childcare and school enrolment, and helps your GP plan any catch-up vaccines.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — National Immunisation Program Schedule
- Healthdirect Australia — Immunisation and vaccinations for your child
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Childhood immunisation schedule
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. The immunisation schedule is updated from time to time. For the current schedule and advice for your child, please consult your GP.
