Advice for Immunising your Baby

Immunisation recommendations change as new evidence becomes available. The best, most up to date source of information is the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

No, immunisation is not compulsory. However, healthcare professionals strongly advise parents to ensure their child receives complete and ‘on time’ vaccinations to reduce the risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases.

You have a few choices. Your general practice doctor (GP), community health, local council clinic, or local hospital are all vaccination providers. Ask your local childhood nurse for some information. You can also check Healthdirect Service Finder for options.

If you are receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A or child care fee assistance, also called Child Care Subsidy (CSS), your child must meet immunisation requirements.

Yes, to meet the immunisation requirements, children younger than 20 need to do any of the following:

You may be able to get an immunisation ‘'medical exemption' and still receive family assistance payments. Specific criteria need to be met in order for your child to receive a medical exemption. Only a healthcare professional with special training can record an exemption.

Yes, there are benefits for both you and your child to have their immunisation history recorded. Your child’s Personal Health Record Book has a section where your immunisation provider can record the date, name/type and batch number of each vaccine they have received.

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is a national register that records vaccines which have been given to people of all ages. You may need an Immunisation History Statement when you enrol your child for childcare and school. Even some workplaces may require evidence of immunisation status.

You can access your own, or your child’s, immunisation statement through your myGov account, the Express Plus mobile app, calling AIR (1800 653 809), or asking your GP to print an immunisation history statement.

Centrelink also uses Immunisation History Statements to ensure eligibility for benefits.

Babies or children with minor colds and coughs without fever, or babies recovering from an illness can still be safely and effectively immunised.

Children who are very unwell with a high fever, over 38.5°C should have their immunisation postponed.

Check Childhood Immunisation for more information.

The New Zealand immunisation Schedule recommends that children be immunised for protection against 13 preventable diseases before they are 5 years of age. In addition to those recommended, some Tamariki may be eligible for other vaccinations if they are at risk of certain illnesses.

You can receive a personalised immunisation schedule for your child aged from 6 weeks to 13 years and the dates they are due.

You can book a vaccine for your child over the phone or online. You can also contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacy or healthcare provider to book a vaccination appointment.

Good hygiene and being healthy are not enough to protect your baby from all diseases. Although a baby’s immune system will protect them from many germs, they still need the help of vaccines.

Research has shown that a healthy young baby has the capacity to respond to more vaccines than they receive at any one time. The immune system is designed to cope with exposure to the ingredients which are contained in vaccines, including preservatives. The timing and spacing of vaccines are crucial to their effectiveness. Splitting or delaying vaccines can lead to a child being unprotected for a longer period of time, as well as needing more vaccination appointments.