Protecting Australians at every stage of life

Reinforcing the importance of vaccination in preventing serious illness, the Australian Government is launching two national immunisation campaigns to help tackle declining vaccination rates.
 
Childhood immunisation saves lives. The Childhood Immunisation Campaign highlights how routine vaccinations keep children safe and reminds parents and carers where to find trusted, evidence‑based advice.
 
Australia has not met its 95% immunisation target for 5-year-olds since 2020, with the steady decline being driven by increased misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect children from serious diseases. Staying up to date helps protect your child and helps protect the wider community, including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated.
 
This year’s campaign addresses declining vaccination rates by reminding parents and carers to vaccinate on time and follow the childhood immunisation schedule, reinforcing that every recommended vaccine matters. It also has a strong emphasis on countering misinformation by promoting trusted, factual advice from qualified health professionals and official sources.
 
Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) is one of the most comprehensive in the world, providing free routine vaccines for children aged 0–4 years.
 
The Winter Vaccination campaign is focused on helping older people protect themselves against serious respiratory illness.
 
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 can cause severe disease in older people and can lead to hospitalisation and death. Vaccination remains the best protection against these serious illnesses.
 
The Winter Vaccination Campaign will encourage older people to speak with their GP, pharmacist or other health professional about staying up to date with recommended vaccines.
 
These campaigns focus on protecting Australia’s most vulnerable by educating the Australian community about vaccines and why immunisation is important.

They put reliable and evidence-based information about vaccines into the Australian community from a trusted source, countering the multitude of misinformation being shared online.
 
Parents and carers can find out more about childhood immunisation at www.health.gov.au/childhoodimmunisation
 
Older people and their families can find more information about winter vaccinations at www.health.gov.au/winter-vaccinations
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“Immunisation is one of the most effective ways we protect Australians at every stage of life - from birth through to older age.
 
“When vaccination rates fall, the risks rise, especially for babies, young children and older people who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
 
“These campaigns are about giving people clear, trusted information so they can make confident decisions, stay up to date with their vaccinations, and protect themselves, their families and their communities.”
 
“Vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program are free for all people who have a Medicare card or are eligible for one.”

The campaign ads and materials are available here.