Childhood immunisations – how do they work?

Parents and carers have lots of questions about childhood immunisations, and how they work to protect their child against illness. In this video, Australian Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan answers some of the top questions.

3:16

Alison McMillan: 

Hello, I’m Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. 

Parents and carers have lots of questions about childhood immunisations, and how they work to protect their child against illness. Today I'll be answering some of the top questions.

Text on screen:

What should I know about childhood immunisations?

Alison McMillan:

Childhood immunisations are very safe, free and effective ways to protect your kids from serious diseases. They are free under the National Immunisation Program.

Text on screen:

Why is the timing of vaccines so important?

Alison McMillan:

The childhood immunisation schedule is carefully planned to protect babies and children as soon as possible. 

Some vaccines don’t work if babies get them too early, so we give them when they’re a little older. The measles vaccine is one of these.

However, some diseases such as pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are much more serious when babies get them. 

It takes many years of careful research by independent experts to work out the right time to give each vaccine so that children get the best possible protection against serious infectious diseases as soon as they can.

The schedule of recommended vaccines changes from time to time for several reasons. 

For example, a new vaccine could be added to the schedule, protecting children from a disease it hasn’t been possible to protect them from before.

A ‘combination vaccine’ that provides protection against multiple diseases might be released after years of research and development, reducing the number of needles children need to get overall, which is a good thing.

A vaccine that is better, safer, more effective or is less expensive than previous versions might be introduced.

Sometimes booster doses are added to the schedule to strengthen the protective effect of a vaccine.

Text on screen:

What are the benefits of vaccination for children?

Alison McMillan:

Vaccination strengthens your child’s immunity. 

It is the safest way to develop immunity because all vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisations.

Vaccination trains your child’s immune system to recognise and fight infection.

Babies and children are most vulnerable to infections when they are young. 

And vaccinations protect them against serious illnesses that could lead to complications including hospitalisation and sadly, even death.

And if your child does get sick with a vaccine-preventable disease, vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

Vaccinating your child also protects other members of your family or community who are vulnerable – including pregnant women, older people, and those with certain health conditions.

Most side effects associated with vaccines are minor, and usually go away in a few days.

Video type:
Advertisement
Publication date:
Part of a collection:

Help us improve health.gov.au

If you would like a response please use the enquiries form instead.