Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. Discover more about childhood vaccinations.

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Free meningococcal vaccine to help protect Australian teenagers

More than 1 million teenagers will get a free meningococcal vaccine over the next 4 years, once it's added to the National Immunisation Schedule in April 2019.

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Immunisation and vaccinations

Immunisation and vaccinations are simple and effective preventative measures to help protect children and adults against harmful infections and diseases before they come into contact with them in the community.

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Immunisation or vaccination - what's the difference?

What's the difference between immunisation and vaccination? Find out how vaccines work and the difference between primary and booster doses.

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Vaccine preventable diseases

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) — such as measles, mumps — can be prevented by an immunisation program. Learn more about VPDs in Australia.

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How the HPV vaccine is eliminating cervical cancer in Australia

Australia could be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer, thanks to the free HPV immunisation program and new Cervical Screening Test.

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Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly contagious viral infection. It can cause paralysis and death, so immunisation is important to prevent polio. Learn here about symptoms, how polio is spread and treatment options.

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Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a viral illness that can cause severe diarrhoea. Learn more about its causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment options available.

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Vaccinations and pregnancy

Your immune system can weaken during pregnancy, so you and your baby can be susceptible to infections and illnesses. Some vaccinations are recommended.

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Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus commonly spread through sexual contact, which can cause cervical cancer. But vaccination can prevent it.

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Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection that can be fatal. Because of vaccination, few people now get tetanus infection in Australia. Learn more about tetanus here.

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Should I bother getting a flu vaccination in Australia in 2021?

Rates of influenza in 2020 were very low, due to COVID-safe practices. But it's still worth getting vaccinated against the deadly flu. Here's why.

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, often caused by bacteria or viruses. It can be mild or very serious. Learn more about the illness.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness, although it can also occur in adults and is occasionally serious. Here’s how to help ease the symptoms.

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Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects the lungs. It can live in your body for years before causing symptoms.

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Why getting a flu vaccination now will help in the fight against COVID-19

Australians are being urged to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible — to reduce the risk of a dangerous double-up of seasonal influenza and coronavirus (COVID-19).

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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a dangerous infection, although the routine vaccination of babies has meant it is now rare in Australia. Learn more here.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a rare infectious bacterial disease that usually affects the nose and throat. Learn more about its vaccination, symptoms and how it spreads.

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Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Meningococcus bacteria. It can develop quickly, and it can be fatal. Learn about the bacteria and how it’s spread, common symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

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Typhoid and paratyphoid

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are similar diseases that are common in developing nations. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for typhoid.

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Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a serious disease transmitted by an infected mosquito in areas of Africa, Central or South America. Vaccination is recommended.

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an illness that causes inflmmation to your liver. Hepatitis A usually doesn't cause long-term damage like other types of hepatitis can.

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Lyssavirus (ABLV)

Find out about Australian bat Lyssavirus, and learn how it can be prevented if you are bitten or scratched by a bat.

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Rabies

Rabies is caused by infection with the rabies virus. It is usually acquired from a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Learn how to prevent rabies and what to do if you may be infected.

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Cholera

Cholera is an illness that gives you severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is most likely to be found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitary services.

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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage over time. If it turns out you have hepatitis B, it is important to protect others from infection. Find out how.

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Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease, spread from person to person via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms and why vaccination is essential.

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Rubella (German measles)

Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.

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Meningitis

Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.

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The best way to prevent getting influenza (‘the flu’)

Learn how to protect yourself from the flu, the benefits of the influenza vaccine and who can get the influenza vaccine for free.

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