Vaccinate on time
It’s important to vaccinate on time to give your child the best protection against harmful diseases.
Follow the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule and set a reminder to book your child’s next appointment.
Being even a few weeks late puts your child and those around them at risk of getting serious disease. ‘On time’ means on (or as close as possible to) the due date in the schedule.
To help you with this, the Australian Immunisation Register will send you reminder letters when your child under 14 is overdue for vaccination.
The schedule is carefully planned to protect babies and children as soon as possible. Find out more about why the schedule is the way it is.
You may also need your child to get vaccinated on time for some payments and services. See immunisation requirements for family benefits and early childhood services.
Missed vaccines
If your child is overdue or has missed a scheduled vaccination, talk to your vaccination provider about catch-up vaccinations.
Children and young people who missed vaccines when they were younger may still be able to get them for free through the NIP. Whether a vaccine is free depends on the person's age and the vaccine they need. Your vaccination provider can tell you which catch-up vaccines are available.
Refugees and other humanitarian entrants may also be able to get free catch-up vaccines through the NIP. Talk to your vaccination provider about the vaccines available for you or your child.
Vaccination for children with medical risk conditions
Some children have medical risk conditions that increase their risk of disease. They can get extra vaccines for free. These are in addition to the routine childhood vaccinations.
Find out more about free vaccines for people with medical risk conditions.
Vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Extra vaccines are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in addition to their routine childhood vaccinations.
Find more at Vaccination for mob – Vaccines for babies and children.
Where to get vaccinated
Babies and young children can get the free vaccines at:
- general practices (GPs)
- community health or local council clinics (in some areas)
- Aboriginal community health services
- participating pharmacies.
The free hepatitis B vaccine for newborns is usually offered in hospitals.
Find out more about getting vaccinated.
Check vaccination history
It’s a good idea to check your child’s vaccination history before making an appointment.
You can get your child’s immunisation history statement (for children under 14 years of age). Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Make a vaccine appointment
Contact a health professional to make a vaccination appointment for your child.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines, including free ones. Check before you make an appointment.
At the appointment
Prepare any questions you may have and bring your baby’s health record book (given at birth) to your appointment.
Babies can usually get their vaccinations even if they are feeling a little unwell, such as a runny nose or slight cold. Children with high fever (38.5 °C or more) or a more serious illness should wait until they are well to get vaccinated.
Find out more about what happens at your vaccination visit and how to prepare.
After the appointment
Your child may get mild side effects after vaccination. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days. Find out more about the possible side effects of vaccination.
Get tips on how to manage common vaccine reactions in children.
More information
- View our NIP resources.
- Read about vaccination for babies and children on our website.
- See our Childhood vaccinations brochure.
Your child’s vaccination visit
What to expect and how to make the needle feel less painful for your child.
Contact
