How does immunisation work?

Immunisation protects children (and adults) against harmful infections before they come into contact with them in the community.

It uses the body’s natural defence mechanism — the immune system — to build resistance to specific infections. Generally it takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for the immune system to respond fully.

Vaccines for babies and young children are funded under the Department of Health's National Immunisation Program.

In Australia, babies and children are immunised against the following diseases:

• chickenpox
• diphtheria
• haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)
• hepatitis B
• measles
• meningococcal disease
• mumps
• pneumococcal infection
• polio (poliomyelitis)
• rotavirus (for babies at or under 4 months)
• rubella
• tetanus
• whooping cough (pertussis)

The Hepatitis A vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in high-risk areas (QLD, NT, WA and SA).

Children aged over 6 months can also have the flu vaccine each year, which is available in autumn. Children aged 12 to 13 should be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) through their schools.

Most vaccines recommended in the program are given by injection. Some combine several vaccines in the one injection.

Learn more about the difference between vaccination and immunisation.

The immunisation schedule is available at the Department of Health's website National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Why do children get so many immunisations?

A number of immunisations are required in the first few years of a child’s life to protect them against some of the most serious childhood infectious diseases. The immune system in young children does not work as well as the immune system in older children and adults, because it is still immature. Therefore, more doses of the vaccine are needed.

In the first months of life, a baby is protected from most infectious diseases by antibodies from their mother which are transferred to the baby during pregnancy. When these antibodies wear off, the baby is at risk of serious infections and so the first immunisations are given before these antibodies have gone.

Another reason children get many immunisations is that new vaccines against serious infections continue to be developed. The number of injections is reduced by the use of combination vaccines, where several vaccines are combined into one injection.

Where you can have your child immunised

Immunisations can be provided by your doctor, immunisation clinics, local councils, community child health nurses and some hospitals.

Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

A record of your child’s immunisation history is kept by the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), which is run by Medicare Australia.

It gives you and health professionals many benefits, such as:

• an immunisation history statement when your child turns 1, 2 and 5 years of age
• documents to help with eligibility for some family payments
• the option of getting a copy of your child’s immunisation details at any time
• the ability to track immunisation levels in Australia to assist health professionals to monitor disease outbreaks

To get your child’s records, should you need it as part of your child’s school requirements, you can contact the AIR by phone on 1800 653 809.

No jab, no pay

In order to receive the Family Tax Benefit Part A and Child Care Subsidy, your child needs to be up to date with their immunisation schedule or have a medical exemption if they are unable to be vaccinated.

Find out more at the Department of Human Services.

What are the side effects of immunisation?

Many children get minor side effects such as redness, soreness and swelling where the needle went in, mild fever, and being irritable or unsettled. If your child has any of these side effects, give them extra fluids to drink, don’t overdress them if they feel hot and consider giving them paracetamol to help ease any fever or soreness. Most side effects are short-lasting and the child recovers without any problems.

Serious reactions to vaccinations are very rare. However, if they do occur, take your child to the doctor immediately.

More information

You can call the National Immunisation Hotline on 1800 671 811 or visit their website.

Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809 or visit their website at www.humanservices.gov.au.