Key facts
- For the best protection, make sure your child gets every vaccine on the schedule.
- The immune systems of babies and children can handle multiple vaccines at the same time.
- Getting vaccines is safer for your child than getting the diseases.
Who can get the vaccines
Babies and children can receive these vaccines for free if they are on a Medicare card or are eligible to be on one.
How the vaccines are given
Babies and children get most of the free scheduled vaccines on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) as an injection in the arm or leg. The rotavirus vaccine is given via mouth.
Combination vaccines
Some of the free vaccines on the NIP are combination vaccines. These combine 2 or more vaccines into one injection. They are a safe way to reduce the number of injections that are needed.
Babies and children have strong immune systems. Having multiple vaccines at the same time will not overload your child’s immune system.
Why some vaccines need multiple doses
Some vaccines need more than one dose to give the best possible protection. Depending on the vaccine, this is to either:
- boost your child’s immunity (such as the hepatitis B vaccine, which needs 4 doses)
- protect against a disease that changes over time (such as the flu).
It’s important your child gets every dose on the schedule. Find out more about why the schedule is the way it is.
How the vaccines work
When your child gets a vaccine, their body’s immune system creates antibodies for protection. If they come into contact with that disease in the future, their immune system remembers it and responds quickly.
Most vaccines take about 2 to 3 weeks to provide immunity.
To find out more, see:
Are the vaccines safe
The free vaccines for babies and children are safe. They go through:
- a rigorous testing process to be approved for use in Australia
- a listing process to be approved for the NIP
- continuous safety monitoring once in use.
To find out more, see the questions about newborn and childhood vaccinations pages on the Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) website.
Vaccines do not cause autism
Some people claim there is a link between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
But many high-quality studies and reviews have found no link.
The original claim was in a 1998 research paper, which was based on only 12 children. A respected medical journal published the paper. Since then:
- scientists have discredited the paper
- the UK’s General Medical Council found the results of the paper were false
- the journal withdrew the paper in 2010.
The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. There is no link between vaccines and autism.
Diseases the vaccines protect against
The NIP schedule provides free vaccines that protect babies and children against:
- chickenpox
- diphtheria
- influenza (flu)
- hepatitis B
- measles
- meningococcal ACWY
- mumps
- polio
- pneumococcal
- rotavirus
- rubella
- tetanus
- whooping cough (pertussis).
Influenza (flu) can be serious for young children. Annual influenza vaccination is free through the NIP for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.
The NIP vaccines protect against many serious diseases. Depending on your child's circumstances, your health professional may also recommend additional vaccines.
Extra vaccines that are not free
The free vaccines on the schedule protect against serious diseases covered under the NIP.
Some babies and children may need additional vaccines based on their age, health condition, travel plans or other circumstances. Talk to your health professional about whether extra vaccines are recommended for your child.
Your health professional may recommend other vaccines that are not free. You can buy these privately.
Benefits and risks of the vaccines
Your child may get side effects after getting the free vaccines, but these are almost always mild. Read more about the possible side effects below.
Without the vaccines, your child is at risk of getting seriously ill with ongoing complications, and even death from diseases like measles and whooping cough.
Getting a disease is likely to be more serious than the risks of the vaccine. For example:
- tetanus could cause extreme pain, muscle spasms and difficulty breathing
- measles could cause pneumonia or brain swelling.
- whooping cough could cause severe breathing problems and may lead to hospitalisation.
Possible side effects
Each vaccine has possible side effects. Most are mild, but occasionally there can be serious side effects.
Common side effects
Most side effects are mild and usually go away in a few days. Find out about possible side effects and how to manage them.
If you are concerned, speak to a doctor for advice. Most children who have reactions can safely have more vaccines. If needed, your doctor may refer your child for more testing or take precautions before the next vaccine.
Very rare side effects
Serious side effects are very rare. They can include:
- severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- seizures
- bowel obstruction (intussusception) after rotavirus vaccine.
These need medical attention straight away.
Next steps
Contact a health professional if you have any questions or 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.
More information
- Read the Childhood immunisation – your questions answered page.
- See our Childhood vaccinations brochure
- View our NIP resources.
Why is the schedule the way it is?
Find out about the schedule and why babies and children should get the vaccines at certain ages.
Contact
