Childhood vaccination

Why vaccination is important

Vaccines are a free and safe way to provide the best protection for your child. Vaccinating on time will:

protect your child from serious diseases, such as whooping cough, meningococcal disease and mumps
protect your family and your community
allow you to enrol your child in childcare or preschool more easily
allow you access to family assistance payments.

Delaying a vaccination could put your child at risk of catching a disease and becoming very sick. More information on the Vaccinate on time fact sheet.

If your child has a runny nose or mild cold they might still be able to get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your options.

When to vaccinate your child

The NSW Childhood Immunisation Schedule describes what disease each vaccine is protecting your child against, and when they should have them.

The timing of every vaccine given to children is carefully chosen by immunisation experts to make sure they are protected at an age when the disease is most common or most serious.

Children should be vaccinated on time at the following ages:

birth
6 weeks
4 months
6 months
12 months
18 months
4 years.

Where can I vaccinate my child?

Vaccinations for children are provided by:

GPs (general practitioners / doctors)
Aboriginal Medical Services
some local councils
some community health centres.

Contact your local Public Health Unit on1300 066 055 about what services are available in your area.

Find your nearest GP

How safe are vaccines?

All vaccines approved for use in Australia have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and effective.

A vaccine must pass clinical trial phases before it can be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Even once a vaccine has been approved by the TGA, it continues to be monitored closely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Australians.

Read more information about how vaccines are developed, tested and monitored.

Your child's immunisation record

For records of your child’s immunisations for childcare, preschool or school enrolment, contact the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) on 1800 653 809 to get an AIR Immunisation History Statement.