Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is Australia’s leading immunisation organisation, providing independent expert advice to inform vaccination policy and planning.

Its work spans disease surveillance, vaccine coverage and safety monitoring, immunisation program evaluation, social research, and technical support for national immunisation guidance.

Vision and mission

Healthy people in Australia and beyond through immunisation

How NCIRS can help

NCIRS is a trusted source of reliable vaccine information, providing independent, evidence‑based advice on vaccine safety, side effects, immunisation schedules and vaccine preventable diseases. Developed by experts and aligned with national policy, NCIRS guidance is regularly updated and responds to common questions and emerging issues, helping people access accurate information and make informed, confident decisions about vaccination.

Programs, apps and tools

AusVaxSafety: Led by NCIRS and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, AusVaxSafety is a world-leading vaccine safety surveillance system. Using de-identified data reported directly from people receiving vaccines (or their parent or carer), AusVaxSafety monitors adverse events following immunisation and facilitates early detection of potential vaccine safety issues.

SKAI: The Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) website contains information about vaccines that you can trust, including information on which vaccines are free in Australia, and which are recommended at different ages. It also provides answers to common questions about vaccination.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: June 2026

Information from this partner

Found 44 results

Japanese encephalitis – frequently asked questions (FAQs) | NCIRS

Read more on NCIRS website

Influenza vaccination information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | NCIRS

Information about influenza vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Read more on NCIRS website

Supporting conversations about vaccinations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people | NCIRS

Read more on NCIRS website

Injection site reactions | NCIRS

Injection site reactions – Information sheet [PDF – 165 KB] July 2019

Read more on NCIRS website

Vaccination from community pharmacy – at a glance | NCIRS

This resource includes information previously contained in NCIRS’ ‘COVID-19 vaccination from community pharmacy’ information sheet.Vaccination from community pharmacy – at a glance [PDF – 302KB]

Read more on NCIRS website

Influenza immunisation resources | NCIRS

Influenza immunisation FAQs, fact sheets, publications and data to assist health care providers and patients with the latest available information.

Read more on NCIRS website

Meningococcal | NCIRS

Meningococcal vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs)Meningococcal B vaccination – a guide for healthcare providers

Read more on NCIRS website

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines for Australian children | NCIRS

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines for Australian children – Fact sheet [PDF – 127 KB] June 2023

Read more on NCIRS website

Hepatitis B vaccines for Australians | NCIRS

Hepatitis B vaccines for Australians – Fact sheet [PDF – 260 KB] June 2023

Read more on NCIRS website

Pertussis vaccines for Australians | NCIRS

Pertussis vaccines for Australians – factsheet [PDF – 172 KB] March 2025

Read more on NCIRS website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government logo Northern Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.