Key facts

  • ​Now is a great time to check that you've had all your vaccinations so that you're protected while you study, work or travel.
  • Free catch-up vaccines are available from your GP as long as you start your vaccinations before you turn 20.
  • Vaccination is safe and effective.

Find more answers to many common questions about vaccination.

Not sure if you've had all your vaccinations?

The Australian Immunisation​ Register (AIR) records all childhood vaccinations given since 1996 and provides Immunisation History Statements on request, including information about any missing vaccinations. You can request an Immunisation History Statement at any time:

To check your adolescent vaccinations (usually given at school), call your local public health unit on 1300 066 055. We're working to get adolescent vaccination records on the AIR soon so you'll have a complete vaccination history in the one place.

Missing some vaccinations?

Don't worry, free catch-up vaccines are available from your GP as long as you start your vaccinations before you turn 20. Talk to your GP about starting your catch-up schedule to make sure you're fully protected.

Here's a table that lists all the recommended accines and the number and interval between doses, depending on your own vaccination history:

Vaccine​​​ Number of free catch-up doses​ ​ Interval between vaccine doses
​Hepatitis B ​3 doses
  • ​One month between dose 1 and 2
  • Two months between dose 2 and 3
(there must also be four months between dose 1 and 3)
​Human papillomavirus (HPV) ​3 doses 0, 2 and ​6 months
​Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) ​2 doses ​4 weeks between doses
​Meningococcal ACWY ​1 dose ​N/A
​Pertussis (whooping cough) included with diphtheria and tetanus (dTpa) ​3 doses ​4 weeks between doses
​Polio ​3 doses ​4 weeks between doses
Varicella (Chickenpox) ​2 doses ​4 weeks between doses

More information about vaccinations for young adults is available in this webinar.​​​​

Current as at: Tuesday 26 February 2019
Contact page owner: Immunisation