The National Immunisation Program Schedule outlines the recommended vaccines for Australian children.
Diseases that can be prevented by routine childhood immunisation are included in the schedule.
The vaccinations on the program are fully funded — although if you see your GP for vaccinations you will pay your GP’s normal appointment fee.
Visit the Department of Human Services to see the National Immunisation Program schedule for Australian children — and keep this link handy, as the schedule can change.
Personal Health Record
When your child is vaccinated, the details will be entered into your child’s Personal Health Record book — which you should have received at birth — and it is important to remember to take this document along with you at the time of vaccination.
This record may be requested by child care centres or schools, many of whom require proof that your child is up to date with immunisations before enrolment.
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register
Details of your child’s vaccination will be entered onto the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.
Immunisation and government benefits
Some Government benefits require your child to be immunised according to the recommended schedule to be eligible for payment (certain exemptions to immunisation can apply, but these need to be certified by a medical practioner).
These benefit schemes include:
Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy is a Federal Government payment that helps with the cost of your child care. Your child must be up-to-date with their immunisations according the schedule (or have a medical exemption) for you to receive the child care subsidy.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Family Tax Benefit Part A is a Federal Government payment based on how much your family earns, how many children you have, and how old the children are. To be eligible for this payment, you need to have your children immunised during the financial years that each child turns 1, 2 and 5 years old.
Immunisation clinics
The authorities offering immunisation clinics varies from state to state. You can visit your GP to receive vaccinations but you will pay the usual appointment fee. Find out where your closest immunisation clinic is via the links below:
- ACT Health Department
- NSW Government Health Department – NSW Immunisation Program
- Northern Territory Government Department of Health
- Brisbane Child Immunisation Clinics. For areas outside Brisbane, contact your local council.
- Adelaide City Council’s Immunisation Service. For areas outside Adelaide, contact your local council.
- TAS State Government Immunisation Information
- VIC State Government Immunisation Information
- WA Health – Where To Get Vaccinated
If you have any concerns about getting your child immunised, check with your doctor or child health nurse.
For information on common childhood infectious diseases, read Infectious Diseases – NSW Department Health.
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