Keeping track of childhood immunisation can feel confusing, especially during the first few years when several vaccines are due at different ages.
Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a structured schedule of funded vaccines designed to protect children against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. The schedule begins at birth and continues through early childhood and adolescence, with specific vaccines recommended at different milestones.
Understanding how the schedule works can help parents know what is due, why timing matters and what to do if a vaccination has been missed.
What Is the National Immunisation Program?
The National Immunisation Program is an Australian Government initiative that provides eligible people with vaccines against a range of serious diseases.
For children, the program includes routine vaccines at specific ages to protect against illnesses such as:
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis or whooping cough
- Polio
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal disease
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella or chickenpox
- Meningococcal disease
Routine childhood vaccines under the NIP are provided free to eligible children who have, or are eligible for, a Medicare card.
Why Are Childhood Vaccines Given at Specific Ages?
Vaccination timing is carefully planned around when children are most vulnerable to particular diseases and when their immune systems are able to develop an effective response.
Some vaccines require several doses because the first dose begins building immunity and later doses strengthen or extend that protection.
Following the recommended schedule helps children receive protection as early as practical while building longer-lasting immunity over time.
Childhood Immunisation Schedule at a Glance
The current National Immunisation Program schedule includes routine vaccination milestones from birth onwards. The exact vaccine product used may vary, so the schedule is often easier to understand by looking at the diseases covered.
At Birth
A hepatitis B vaccine is routinely offered soon after birth, usually while the baby is still in hospital.
This provides early protection against hepatitis B, a viral infection that can cause long-term liver disease.
At 2 Months
The two-month vaccinations can generally be given from six weeks of age.
Routine vaccines protect against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Hib
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal disease
Some children may also have additional recommendations depending on medical risk factors or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status.
At 4 Months
Children receive further doses protecting against:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Hib
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcal disease
These doses continue building protection established during the earlier vaccination visit.
At 6 Months
At six months, children routinely receive another combined vaccine covering:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Hib
Additional pneumococcal or meningococcal vaccination may be recommended or funded for children with particular risk factors.
Annual Influenza Vaccination From 6 Months
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for children aged six months and older.
Under the National Immunisation Program, influenza vaccination is funded for all children aged six months to under five years, as well as some older children with specified medical risk factors.
Because influenza strains change over time, vaccination is recommended each year.
At 12 Months
Routine vaccinations at 12 months protect against:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Meningococcal ACWY disease
- Pneumococcal disease
This is an important stage because children begin receiving protection against several diseases that can cause significant complications.
At 18 Months
At 18 months, routine vaccines include protection against:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Hib
Australia routinely provides two measles-containing vaccine doses, at 12 months and 18 months.
At 4 Years
Before starting school, children receive a booster covering:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Polio
This booster strengthens protection established by earlier doses.
Vaccination Continues During Adolescence
Childhood vaccination does not stop when children start school.
Under the National Immunisation Program, adolescents are offered further vaccines, usually through school-based immunisation programs.
These include:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis booster at approximately 12–13 years
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at approximately 12–13 years
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccination at approximately 14–16 years
School programs are a convenient way to provide these vaccines, although they can also be accessed through other healthcare services when necessary.
Are All Children on Exactly the Same Schedule?
Not necessarily.
The standard NIP schedule applies to most children, but additional vaccines or doses may be recommended for children who:
- Have certain chronic medical conditions
- Have weakened immune systems
- Were born very prematurely
- Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Have specific medical risk factors
- Are travelling overseas
- Have missed earlier vaccinations
Your GP can review your child’s individual health circumstances and advise whether additional vaccination is recommended.
What Happens During a Childhood Immunisation Appointment?
Before vaccination, your GP or nurse will usually:
- Review your child’s vaccination history
- Check which vaccines are due
- Ask about current health concerns
- Discuss allergies or previous vaccine reactions
- Explain the vaccines being given
- Answer any questions you may have
Several vaccines can often be given safely during the same appointment.
You may also be asked to remain at the clinic briefly afterwards for routine observation.
What Side Effects Are Common?
Most vaccine reactions are mild and short-lived.
Common side effects may include:
- Pain or redness where the injection was given
- Mild swelling
- Low-grade fever
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Reduced appetite
These symptoms generally settle within a few days.
Some vaccines can cause reactions several days later. Your GP or nurse can explain what to expect following each vaccination.
Helping Your Child After Vaccination
Simple measures can help keep your child comfortable after their appointment.
You can:
- Offer regular fluids
- Allow extra rest
- Continue normal feeding
- Dress your child comfortably
- Use a cool cloth on a sore injection site if helpful
Do not routinely give medication before vaccination unless specifically recommended. If your child develops discomfort or fever afterwards, speak with your GP, nurse or pharmacist about appropriate treatment and dosing.
What If My Child Has Missed a Vaccine?
Missing a scheduled vaccination does not usually mean starting the whole vaccination course again.
A catch-up immunisation schedule can be developed based on:
- Your child’s age
- Vaccines already received
- How long ago previous doses were given
- Minimum intervals between doses
- Individual risk factors
The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides specific catch-up guidance, and your GP can help bring your child’s vaccination record up to date.
What If Your Child Was Vaccinated Overseas?
Children who have moved to Australia may have received vaccines according to a different national schedule.
Bring any vaccination records you have to your GP appointment.
Your GP can review these records, compare them with the Australian schedule and determine whether any catch-up vaccinations are required.
How Can Parents Check Their Child’s Immunisation Record?
Vaccinations given in Australia are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Parents and carers can obtain an immunisation history statement through Medicare services linked to myGov.
Reviewing your child’s record can help confirm:
- Which vaccines have already been given
- Whether anything has been missed
- Whether the record is complete before childcare or school enrolment
If something appears incorrect, speak with your GP or vaccination provider.
Why Keeping Vaccinations Up to Date Matters
Vaccination protects the individual child, but it also contributes to community protection.
Maintaining high vaccination coverage reduces the opportunities for infectious diseases to spread and can help protect:
- Babies too young to receive certain vaccines
- Children with weakened immune systems
- People who cannot receive particular vaccines for medical reasons
This is particularly important for highly contagious diseases such as measles.
Need Help With Your Child’s Immunisations?
If you are unsure whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date, the team at Botanic Ridge Doctors can review their immunisation history, discuss upcoming vaccines and help arrange any recommended catch-up vaccinations. Our doctors can also answer your questions about vaccine timing, common reactions and your child’s individual vaccination needs. Contact Botanic Ridge Doctors to book a childhood immunisation appointment and discuss your child’s vaccination schedule with our experienced medical team.
FAQs
What is childhood immunisation?
Childhood immunisation involves giving vaccines at recommended ages to help protect children against serious infectious diseases.
What is the National Immunisation Program?
The National Immunisation Program is an Australian Government program that funds routine vaccinations for eligible people, including a structured childhood vaccination schedule.
Are childhood vaccines free in Australia?
Routine NIP vaccines are funded for eligible children who have, or are eligible for, a Medicare card. Individual clinics may have their own consultation or administration fees, so check when booking.
What happens if my child misses a vaccination?
Your GP can review your child’s immunisation record and prepare an appropriate catch-up schedule. Most vaccine courses do not need to be restarted.
Can my child have several vaccines at the same appointment?
Yes. Many childhood vaccines are specifically designed to be given together or during the same visit. Your vaccination provider will confirm what is appropriate for your child.
Where can I check my child’s vaccination schedule?
The latest National Immunisation Program Schedule is available through the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Because recommendations can change, your GP can also confirm which vaccines are currently due.
The Bottom Line
Australia’s childhood immunisation schedule is designed to protect children against serious infectious diseases at the ages when vaccination can provide the greatest benefit.
The National Immunisation Program begins at birth and continues through infancy, early childhood and adolescence, with additional recommendations for some children based on their health and individual circumstances.
If you are unsure whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date, speak with your GP. Reviewing their immunisation history and arranging any necessary catch-up vaccines can help ensure they remain appropriately protected.