Childhood immunisation – what to expect in your child’s first 4 years

Australia's National Immunisation Program provides free recommended vaccines for children from birth to four years. 

The childhood immunisation schedule recommends them at birth, two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 18 months, and 4 years. 

Following the immunisation schedule protects them against serious diseases. 

The childhood immunisation schedule is carefully planned, so babies and children get the best protection against serious infectious diseases as soon as possible. It takes many years of research to determine the right time to give each vaccine. Independent experts gather information about which diseases Australian children are most likely to be exposed to, how serious those diseases can be at different ages, which vaccines are safest and work best, how many doses are needed, and the age when the vaccines give the best protection. It's important to vaccinate on time every time. 

The childhood immunisation schedule shows which vaccines your child should get and when. If vaccination is delayed or spaced out, children are left without protection for longer than they need to be. 

You can get your child's immunisation history statement using your Medicare online account, either through the myGov website or using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. 

If your child has missed one of the vaccinations, they can get a catch-up vaccine for free. 

For more information about the childhood immunisation schedule, talk to your health professional, or visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood.