Immunisations are one of the most effective public health tools available — protecting children from serious diseases that were once responsible for widespread illness and death. Understanding the Australian childhood immunisation schedule help parents stay on top of what their child needs and when. At Camberwell Health in Camberwell, children’s immunisations are available and bulk billed.
Why Immunisation Matters
Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases. When a child is vaccinated, their body builds a memory of the disease-causing pathogen without having to experience the disease itself. If they later come into contact with that pathogen, the immune system can respond quickly and effectively.
Immunisation not only protects the individual child but also contributes to community immunity — sometimes called herd immunity — which helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns and individuals with certain medical conditions.
The National Immunisation Program Schedule
Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines to all eligible children according to a recommended schedule. The schedule is designed so that children receive protection as early as possible, when they are most vulnerable.
Below is a summary of the key vaccines recommended under the NIP for children from birth to four years:
Birth: Hepatitis B
6 weeks: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), hepatitis B, polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), rotavirus, pneumococcal
4 months: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib, rotavirus, pneumococcal, meningococcal B
6 months: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, rotavirus, meningococcal B
12 months: Meningococcal ACWY, pneumococcal, Hib, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
18 months: Varicella (chickenpox), MMR booster, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (booster)
4 years: Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio booster, MMR booster
For the full and most current schedule, visit the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care at health.gov.au.
School-Based Vaccines
Older children receive additional vaccines through school-based immunisation programs, typically during Years 7 and 10. These include HPV vaccination and a diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough booster. Schools coordinate these programs, but parents are required to provide consent.
Keeping Track of Your Child’s Immunisations
All vaccinations given in Australia are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), which is managed by Services Australia. You can access your child’s immunisation history statement through Medicare online services or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
It’s a good idea to keep a personal record as well. If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, your GP can check the AIR and advise on any catch-up vaccines needed.
What to Expect at an Immunisation Appointment
Immunisation appointments at Camberwell Health are typically brief. Your GP or practice nurse will confirm which vaccines are due, check for any contraindications, and administer the vaccines — usually as one or more injections. You may be asked to stay for 15 minutes after the vaccination to monitor for any immediate reactions, which are rare but can occur.
It’s normal for children to be a little unsettled or to have a mild temperature or soreness at the injection site after vaccinations. Your GP can advise on how to manage these common reactions.
Catch-Up Immunisation
If your child has missed a vaccine, don’t worry — catch-up programs are available. Your GP can review your child’s history and recommend a schedule to bring them up to date. It’s never too late to start.
To book a children’s immunisation appointment at Camberwell Health, visit HotDoc or call us on (03) 9882 0055.