Keeping track of your child’s vaccinations can feel overwhelming, particularly during the first few years when several appointments occur close together. Australia’s National Immunisation Program provides a clear schedule of free routine vaccines at important stages from birth through adolescence.
The schedule protects children against serious illnesses including whooping cough, measles, meningococcal disease, polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease and human papillomavirus. Staying on schedule helps build protection when children are most vulnerable and reduces the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases throughout the community.
This guide reflects the National Immunisation Program Schedule current from June 2026. Some children may need additional vaccines because of their medical history, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status, travel plans or other individual circumstances.
Why Childhood Immunisation Matters
Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise and respond to particular infections without exposing a child to the full risks of those diseases.
Some vaccine-preventable illnesses can be especially serious for babies and young children. Whooping cough, for example, is most dangerous in babies who are too young to have completed their primary vaccine series. Maintaining high vaccination coverage also helps protect newborns and people whose immune systems may not respond fully to vaccines.
Routine childhood vaccines funded through the National Immunisation Program are available free to eligible children who have, or are eligible for, a Medicare card. A clinic may still charge a consultation or administration fee depending on its billing arrangements, so families should confirm this when booking.
The 2026 Childhood Immunisation Schedule at a Glance
The exact vaccine product used may vary according to availability and clinical advice. The following schedule focuses on the diseases covered at each routine milestone rather than individual brand names.
At Birth
Babies are routinely offered a hepatitis B vaccine, usually in hospital.
It should be given as soon as practical after birth. The greatest benefit occurs when it is administered within the first 24 hours, and it should be given within seven days.
Hepatitis B can cause acute or long-term liver disease. The birth dose provides early protection and begins the routine childhood hepatitis B vaccination course.
At 2 Months
The two-month vaccines can usually be given from six weeks of age. They protect against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis or whooping cough
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal disease
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are also funded for meningococcal B vaccination at this milestone.
The first rotavirus vaccine dose must be given by 14 weeks of age, making timely attendance particularly important.
At 4 Months
At four months, children receive their next routine doses covering:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Hib
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal disease
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children also receive their next meningococcal B dose.
The second rotavirus dose must be given by 24 weeks of age. If your child is approaching this age and has missed a dose, contact your GP promptly for individual advice.
At 6 Months
The routine six-month appointment includes another combined vaccine protecting against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Hib
An additional pneumococcal dose is funded at six months for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children with specified medical risk conditions. Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with particular medical risks may also require an additional meningococcal B dose.
Annual Influenza Vaccination From 6 Months
Annual influenza vaccination is funded for all children aged six months to under five years.
Children receiving influenza vaccination for the first time may require two doses at least four weeks apart, depending on their age and previous vaccination history. Older children with specified medical risk conditions, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, may also be eligible for funded annual influenza vaccination.
Because influenza vaccine recommendations are updated each year, your GP will confirm the appropriate product and number of doses.
At 12 Months
At 12 months, routine vaccines protect against:
- Meningococcal ACWY disease
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Pneumococcal disease
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children also receive a further meningococcal B dose under the funded schedule.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is particularly important because measles spreads very easily and can cause serious complications.
At 18 Months
The 18-month milestone includes vaccines covering:
- Hib
- Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella or chickenpox
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia or South Australia may also receive their first hepatitis A dose under the funded program.
At 4 Years
At four years, children receive a booster protecting against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough
- Polio
Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia may also receive a hepatitis A dose, depending on the doses they have previously received. Some children may require pneumococcal catch-up vaccination following clinical review.
It is helpful to complete this milestone before school entry so your child’s immunisation record is up to date.
At 12–13 Years
Vaccination is commonly delivered through school programs in Year 7 or at the age-equivalent stage.
The routine adolescent schedule includes:
- A single human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine dose
- A diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster
A funded HPV catch-up dose remains available to eligible people up to and including 25 years of age if it was missed earlier. People with particular medical risk conditions may require a different HPV schedule.
At 14–16 Years
Adolescents in Year 10 or the age-equivalent stage are offered vaccination against meningococcal ACWY disease through the National Immunisation Program.
School vaccination arrangements can differ between states and individual schools. Parents should review and return consent forms promptly.
What Should You Expect on Vaccination Day?
A childhood immunisation appointment usually begins with a brief health review. Your GP or nurse may ask about:
- Your child’s general health
- Previous vaccinations
- Allergies
- Previous vaccine reactions
- Current medicines
- Any medical conditions affecting vaccination
- Whether your child has recently been unwell
A mild cold without a fever does not always mean vaccination must be postponed, but your healthcare professional will make that decision based on your child’s condition.
Several vaccines may be safely given during the same appointment. Although seeing more than one injection can be difficult for parents, combination vaccines and same-day administration help children receive timely protection while reducing the number of separate clinic visits required.
Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable
Your calm presence can help your child feel safer during the appointment.
For babies, you may find it helpful to:
- Feed or breastfeed during or immediately after vaccination if appropriate
- Hold them securely and comfortably
- Bring a favourite comfort item
- Dress them in clothing that gives easy access to the thighs
For toddlers and older children:
- Use simple, honest language about what will happen
- Avoid promising that it will not hurt
- Distract them with a toy, story, video or conversation
- Encourage slow breathing
- Praise their effort afterwards
Try not to threaten injections as a consequence for poor behaviour, as this can increase fear of future healthcare visits.
What Side Effects Are Normal?
Most vaccine side effects are mild and settle within a few days. They may include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Reduced appetite
- Mild muscle aches
Some vaccines may cause delayed reactions. For example, a mild fever or rash can appear several days after measles-containing or chickenpox-containing vaccines.
Your vaccination provider should explain what reactions may occur and when to seek medical advice.
Easing Post-Vaccine Discomfort
After the appointment:
- Offer your child regular fluids.
- Allow extra rest if they seem tired.
- Keep the injection area clean and avoid rubbing it.
- Use a cool, damp cloth for local soreness if helpful.
- Dress your child comfortably and avoid overheating them.
- Give medicine only according to advice from your GP, nurse or pharmacist and the correct dose for your child.
Paracetamol is not routinely needed before every childhood vaccine. However, preventive paracetamol is specifically recommended with meningococcal B vaccination for young children because fever is more common following that vaccine. Follow the timing and dose provided by your immunisation provider.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Contact your GP or seek medical advice if your child:
- Has a fever or discomfort that concerns you
- Is feeding poorly or showing signs of dehydration
- Has symptoms that are severe, unusual or worsening
- Develops significant swelling that continues to increase
- Remains unusually unsettled or lethargic
- Has symptoms lasting longer than expected
Call 000 immediately if your child develops difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, collapses, becomes unresponsive or shows signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Serious vaccine reactions are rare, but urgent symptoms should always be assessed promptly.
What If Your Child Has Missed Vaccinations?
It is generally possible to catch up missed childhood vaccines. Your child usually does not need to restart an entire vaccine course.
A GP or immunisation provider can check the Australian Immunisation Register and prepare a personalised catch-up plan based on:
- Your child’s age
- Vaccines already received
- The minimum intervals required
- Medical risk factors
- Previous overseas vaccination records
Under the National Immunisation Program, eligible people under 20 can receive many vaccines missed during childhood. HPV catch-up vaccination is funded up to and including 25 years of age.
Bring any available overseas or historical vaccination records to your appointment.
How Can You Check Your Child’s Immunisation Record?
Vaccinations administered in Australia are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, or AIR.
Parents and carers can access their child’s immunisation history statement through Medicare online services linked to myGov or by contacting Services Australia. This statement may be required for childcare, kindergarten or school enrolment and helps identify whether any vaccinations have been missed.
Speak with your GP clinic if the record appears incomplete or incorrect.
Childhood Immunisation at Botanic Ridge Doctors
At Botanic Ridge Doctors, our GPs and nursing team support families with routine childhood vaccinations, annual influenza vaccination and catch-up immunisation planning.
We can review your child’s records, explain which vaccines are due and answer questions before the appointment. If your child has a medical condition, previous vaccine reaction or an incomplete vaccination history, we can provide advice tailored to their circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines does my child need in 2026?
Routine vaccination milestones occur at birth, two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 18 months and four years, followed by adolescent vaccines at approximately 12–13 and 14–16 years. Annual influenza vaccination is also funded for all children aged six months to under five years, with additional funded recommendations for some older children.
Are childhood vaccines free in Australia?
Routine vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Program are funded for eligible children who have, or are eligible for, a Medicare card. Consultation or administration charges may still apply depending on the clinic’s billing arrangements.
Can my child receive several vaccines at once?
Yes. Multiple recommended vaccines can often be administered safely during the same appointment. Your immunisation provider will confirm which vaccines are due and whether there are any individual reasons to adjust the schedule.
What happens if my child is late for a vaccination?
Book an appointment rather than waiting for the next routine milestone. A GP or immunisation provider can review the child’s record and create an appropriate catch-up schedule. Most vaccine courses do not need to be restarted.
Can my child be vaccinated if they have a cold?
A mild illness does not always require postponement, but the decision depends on your child’s symptoms and overall health. Let the clinic know how your child is feeling so they can assess whether vaccination should proceed.
How can I help with pain or fever after vaccination?
Offer fluids, rest and comfort. A cool cloth may help with soreness. Ask your GP, nurse or pharmacist before giving medicine and follow age- and weight-appropriate dosing instructions. Preventive paracetamol has specific recommendations when meningococcal B vaccine is administered to young children.
The Bottom Line
Australia’s 2026 childhood immunisation schedule provides protection at carefully timed milestones from birth through adolescence. Keeping appointments on schedule helps protect your child when they are most vulnerable and supports broader community protection against serious infectious diseases.
Vaccination recommendations can differ for children with medical risk factors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those needing catch-up doses. Your GP can review your child’s Australian Immunisation Register record and confirm exactly what is due.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. National Immunisation Program Schedule — Current from June 2026.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-06/national-immunisation-program-schedule.pdf
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Childhood Immunisation.
https://www.health.gov.au/childhood-immunisation
- Australian Immunisation Handbook. Clinical Recommendations and Vaccine Guidance.
https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/
- Healthdirect Australia. Immunisation and Vaccinations for Your Child.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/immunisation-and-vaccinations-for-your-child
- Healthdirect Australia. Immunisation Side Effects.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/immunisation-side-effects
- Services Australia. Australian Immunisation Register.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/australian-immunisation-register