If you are looking for information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the COVID-19 vaccination page.
Vaccines for adolescents
The National Immunisation Program schedule provides a series of free vaccinations for adolescents.
The following vaccines are provided free to adolescents. The vaccines are primarily delivered through school-based immunisation programs and other health services including pharmacies.
| Age | Disease | More information |
|---|---|---|
12–13 years Usually offered in year 7. | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) | |
12–13 years Usually offered in year 7. | Human papillomavirus (HPV) | |
14–16 years Offered to students in year 10. | Meningococcal ACWY |
|
Find more information:
Access to family assistance payments
To access family assistance payments such as Family Tax Benefit ( Part A) and Child Care Subsidies children and adolescents up to 19 years are required to be vaccinated against the diseases as per the age appropriate early childhood vaccination schedule.
Note vaccinations given through the school-based immunisation program (HPV, dTpa and meningococcal ACWY) are not required to meet the immunisation requirements.
Find more information: Immunisations for access to family assistance payments and early childhood services.
School-based immunisation program
Parents or guardians must complete a consent form giving permission for their child to get a vaccination at school. The consent form includes information about the vaccine on offer to your child at school. You should complete the form and return it to the school office, your child’s teacher or the health service.
It is important that your child attends school on vaccination days. Schools often advertise the dates of immunisation sessions in their newsletters or on their websites.
Contact your school or your state or territory health department for more information on school vaccination programs in your child’s school.
Tips for parents
Some older children can get very concerned about the thought of having a vaccination at school. It is important to talk to them about the importance of immunisation. Explain how it will provide them with a lifetime of protection against diseases.
Some useful tips for preparing older children for school-based immunisations include:
- giving them a good breakfast
- making sure they wear a loose shirt
- ensure they are feeling well on the day
- making sure they let the teacher or nurse know if they are feeling nervous or unwell.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents
In addition to the vaccines recommended on the adolescent schedule Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents are funded to receive the annual influenza vaccine.
Find more information: Influenza (flu) vaccine
Adolescents with medical risk conditions
Some adolescents with medical risk conditions may need additional vaccines. Speak to your health professional or health service about your child’s needs.
Find more information: Immunisations for people with medical risk conditions.
Missed vaccinations
Adolescents should get any missed routine childhood vaccinations. They can still get them free under the National Immunisation Program up until they turn 20 years old through their health professional and other health services including pharmacies.
Adolescents who did not receive the HPV vaccine at 12 to 13 years of age are eligible for a free catch-up dose up to age 26.
Adolescents who are immunocompromised are recommended to receive 3 doses of the HPV vaccine for free up until 26 years of age.
Adolescents who did not receive the meningococcal ACWY vaccine at 14-16 years of age are eligible for a free catch-up dose up to age 20.
Check the National Immunisation Program schedule and talk to your health professional or other health service if your child or adolescent has not had all the recommended childhood vaccinations.
See Getting vaccinated for information on where to get vaccinated, what to expect, immunisation records and possible side effects.