Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Vaccinations and immunisation protect babies and children. Read more on why and when to vaccinate your child, and about side effects and costs.

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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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Meningitis

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

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Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can develop very quickly – find out about the symptoms and when to get medical attention.

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Vaccinations and pregnancy

Vaccination is especially important before and during pregnancy. Read on to learn why, as well as information on side effects and costs.

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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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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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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be very serious. It’s often caused by bacteria or viruses. Learn how to prevent getting pneumonia.

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Chickenpox (varicella)

Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, that can also occur in adults. It is occasionally serious. Here's how you can prevent catching chickenpox.

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Rotavirus infection

Rotavirus is a viral illness that can cause severe diarrhoea. Learn more about the cause, symptoms, prevention and treatment for rotavirus.

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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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Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and how vaccines prevent polio.

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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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Hepatitis B

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

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Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.

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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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How do I know if I'm immune to measles?

Cases of measles have risen by 30% globally, and in places where it was eradicated — including Australia. Now's the time to check your immunity to measles or get vaccinated.

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Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman's cervix. It is one of a few cancers where screening can detect pre-cancerous lesions.

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Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a disease that spreads through infected mosquitos in areas of Africa, Central or South America. Learn about the yellow fever vaccine.

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Influenza A

Influenza A is a virus that can cause the flu and serious illness. Learn about influenza A subtypes, and how vaccination can prevent infection.

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Typhoid and paratyphoid

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

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Travel vaccinations

Find out why vaccinations are important before you travel overseas. Learn about the vaccines you need to consider, their side effects and safety.

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Cervical screening test

Pap smears have been replaced by a new cervical screening test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), helping protect women from cervical cancer.

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Measles

Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.

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