Your Child’s Immunisations: The Australian Schedule Explained

Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines to protect children from serious infectious diseases. The schedule is developed by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and updated regularly based on the latest evidence. This guide covers the routine childhood schedule, school requirements, and what to do if you’ve fallen behind.

Why Immunisation Matters

Vaccines prevent serious and sometimes fatal diseases. They also protect communities — when enough people are vaccinated, diseases can’t spread widely, protecting those who can’t be vaccinated (newborns, immunocompromised people, those with specific allergies). Australia has some of the highest immunisation coverage rates in the world, which is why diseases like polio, diphtheria, and tetanus are now rare here.

The Routine Childhood Schedule

The schedule below reflects vaccines funded under the NIP. Your GP or practice nurse will give these at no charge if your child is eligible. Always check the current schedule on the Department of Health and Aged Care website for the latest version.

Birth

• Hepatitis B — usually given in hospital shortly after birth

2 months (from 6 weeks)

• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib (six-in-one vaccine)
• Pneumococcal
• Rotavirus (oral)

4 months

• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib (six-in-one)
• Pneumococcal
• Rotavirus (oral)

6 months

• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib (six-in-one)
• Annual flu vaccine (recommended from 6 months)

12 months

• Meningococcal ACWY
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Pneumococcal (booster)

18 months

• Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTPa)
• Hib

4 years

• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio (four-in-one pre-school booster)

Age 12 to 13 (Year 7)

• HPV (human papillomavirus) — one dose under the current schedule
• Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (adolescent booster)

Age 14 to 16 (Year 10)

• Meningococcal ACWY

Additional Vaccines for At-Risk Groups

Beyond the routine schedule, some children qualify for additional NIP-funded vaccines:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — additional pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and meningococcal B vaccines depending on age and location
• Children with medical risk factors — including those with immune conditions, asthma, congenital heart disease, or chronic lung disease
• Premature infants — additional RSV and pneumococcal protection

Your GP will identify any additional vaccines your child is eligible for based on their medical history.

School Entry and “No Jab No Play”

Most states and territories require an up-to-date immunisation history statement before enrolling in childcare or school. This is often called “No Jab No Play”. Requirements vary by state, but generally include:

• Evidence that your child is fully immunised for their age, OR
• Evidence of a catch-up schedule in progress, OR
• A valid medical exemption

You can get your child’s immunisation history statement from the Services Australia website, through the Express Plus Medicare app, or via My Health Record.

“No Jab No Pay”

Family Tax Benefit Part A and Child Care Subsidy payments are linked to your child’s immunisation status. To receive the full rate of these payments, children must be fully immunised for their age or have an approved medical exemption. Your GP can submit catch-up records to the Australian Immunisation Register on your behalf.

Catch-Up Vaccines

If your child has missed one or more vaccines — whether due to illness, travel, moving countries, or just slipping behind — they can catch up. Catch-up vaccines are funded under the NIP for children up to age 19 (and for refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age).

Your GP will design a schedule that brings your child up to date as quickly as safely possible. This usually means a series of appointments rather than a single visit, because multiple vaccines have specific intervals that need to be followed.

What to Expect at a Vaccination Appointment

• Your GP or practice nurse will confirm your child’s identity and verify the vaccines due
• You’ll discuss any recent illness, allergies, or previous vaccine reactions
• Vaccines are given as injections (usually in the thigh for infants, upper arm for older children) or orally (rotavirus)
• You’ll be asked to wait 15 minutes after the vaccination in case of any allergic reaction
• Your child’s record is updated automatically on the Australian Immunisation Register

Common Side Effects

Most reactions are mild and resolve within 48 hours:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Fussiness or tiredness
• Reduced appetite

Serious reactions are rare but can include high fever, persistent crying, seizures, or anaphylaxis. If your child has any concerning reaction, contact your GP, call 13HEALTH (or your state equivalent), or call 000 if the reaction is severe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are NIP vaccines free?

Yes. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program schedule are fully funded for eligible children. The GP consultation is Medicare-rebatable, and many clinics bulk bill vaccination appointments for children — check with your clinic.

Can I delay my child’s vaccines?

The schedule is designed to protect children at the ages they are most vulnerable to each disease. Delaying vaccines leaves children unnecessarily exposed. If you have concerns, discuss them with your GP — they can walk you through the evidence behind each vaccine.

What if my child has a cold on vaccination day?

Mild illness (runny nose, mild cough) is not a reason to delay vaccination. Significant fever or acute illness can be a reason to wait briefly — your GP will make the call on the day.

Can vaccines cause autism?

No. Extensive research involving millions of children has found no link between vaccines and autism. The original study suggesting a link was retracted by the journal that published it, and the author was struck off the medical register. Vaccines are among the most rigorously tested medical interventions.

What if I don’t know my child’s vaccination history?

Request the immunisation history statement from Services Australia (via Medicare online, the Express Plus Medicare app, or My Health Record). If there are gaps, your GP can start a catch-up schedule.

Book Your Child’s Immunisation

Keeping your child up to date protects them and the wider community. Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic and book an immunisation appointment. Most appointments are short, and our GPs and practice nurses are experienced at helping anxious children through the process.