Childhood immunisations: what's due and when

Immunisation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your child from serious diseases such as whooping cough, measles and meningococcal disease. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free, and keeping your child up to date also protects babies and others in the community who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.

When are vaccines due?

In NSW, routine childhood vaccines are given at these ages:

• Birth: hepatitis B (usually given in hospital)

• 6 weeks: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus

• 4 months: the same vaccines as at 6 weeks

• 6 months: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Hib, and the start of yearly flu vaccination

• 12 months: meningococcal ACWY, pneumococcal, and measles, mumps and rubella

• 18 months: diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, and Hib

• 4 years: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children with certain medical conditions, are eligible for some additional free vaccines. Your GP can check what your child needs.

Flu vaccine every year

A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone from 6 months of age, and it's free for children under 5. Children under 9 having their first flu vaccine need two doses, four weeks apart.

Protecting babies from RSV

RSV is a common virus that can cause serious breathing problems in young babies. In NSW, a free RSV vaccine is offered in every pregnancy from 28 weeks, ideally before 36 weeks, to protect the baby after birth. Some babies and young children are also eligible for an RSV immunisation themselves. Ask your GP whether your child is eligible.

Childcare and school

In NSW, children must be fully immunised for their age, or on a recognised catch-up schedule, to enrol in childcare and preschool. You'll need your child's immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register, which you can download through your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app. In high school, students are offered further free vaccines through the NSW school vaccination program.

Missed a vaccine?

It's never too late to catch up. If your child has missed a vaccine, or you've moved from overseas, book an appointment and we'll arrange a catch-up plan. Catch-up vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free.

What to expect at the appointment

Mild reactions such as a sore arm or leg, redness where the needle went in, or a low fever are common and usually settle within a day or two. We'll ask you to wait at the practice for 15 minutes after the vaccine, and we'll talk you through what to watch for at home. Bring your child's Blue Book to every immunisation appointment.

Trusted information to read more

These websites explain childhood immunisation in plain language:

• NSW Health: Childhood immunisation by age

• Healthdirect: Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

• Australian Government: Childhood immunisation schedule

• SKAI: Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (answers to common questions parents ask)

• NSW Health: RSV protection for babies

• NSW Health: Childcare and preschool entry and immunisation

Book your child's immunisation

Children's immunisation appointments are direct billed to Medicare, so there's no cost to you. Call us on 02 6936 7020 to book.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please speak with your GP about your individual circumstances.