From infancy through the teenage years, paediatric immunisations are an important part of protecting children from serious infectious diseases. Vaccinations help build immunity before children are exposed to illnesses that can cause complications.
In Australia, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides a recommended vaccination schedule based on a child’s age and individual circumstances. Following this schedule helps ensure children receive the vaccines they need at the appropriate stages of development.
For parents, keeping track of vaccinations, appointment dates and catch-up doses can sometimes be confusing. This guide explains the national immunisation schedule, the vaccines children may need, what to expect during and after a vaccination appointment, and what to do if your child misses a scheduled vaccine.
Why Are Childhood Vaccinations Important?
Childhood vaccinations help protect children from infectious diseases that can cause serious illness and complications. Vaccines prepare the immune system to recognise specific infections and respond more effectively if a child is exposed to them.
As part of Australia’s immunisation program, children may receive vaccines that protect against diseases including:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal disease
- Rotavirus
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Meningococcal disease
- Varicella (chickenpox)
The vaccines recommended for a child can vary depending on their age, health, vaccination history and other individual circumstances. Children with certain medical conditions or specific risk factors may require additional vaccines or different vaccination recommendations.
For the most up-to-date advice on childhood vaccination in Australia, parents should refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook or speak with their GP or immunisation provider.
How Does the National Immunisation Schedule Work?
Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule outlines the routine vaccines recommended and funded for eligible people at different stages of life.
For children, vaccinations begin in infancy and continue through early childhood and adolescence. The timing of each vaccine is carefully planned to provide protection when it is most needed.
Vaccines are scheduled according to factors such as:
- The age at which children are at greater risk from particular diseases
- The number of doses needed to develop and maintain protection
- The timing of booster doses
- When children are most likely to be exposed to certain infections
- How effectively the immune system responds at different ages
Following the recommended schedule helps children receive protection at the appropriate time. If a child misses a scheduled vaccination, parents should speak with their GP or immunisation provider rather than assuming it is too late. Catch-up vaccination may be available.
Because vaccination recommendations can change over time, it is important to check the current National Immunisation Program Schedule rather than relying on an older printed schedule or online list.
What Vaccinations Does My Child Need?
The paediatric immunisations your child needs depend on their age, vaccination history and individual health circumstances. Routine childhood vaccinations are given at specific stages, beginning in infancy and continuing through early childhood and adolescence.
Some children may need additional vaccines or different vaccination recommendations because of factors such as:
- Certain medical conditions
- A weakened immune system
- Premature birth
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status
- Travel to areas where particular infections are more common
- Previous vaccinations that were missed or incomplete
- Other individual risk factors
For example, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Under the National Immunisation Program, influenza vaccination is funded for children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
Because vaccination recommendations can depend on your child’s individual circumstances, parents should not rely solely on a general online list. A GP or immunisation provider can review your child’s Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) record and determine which vaccinations are due based on the current schedule.
Are Paediatric Immunisations Safe?
Paediatric immunisations are carefully assessed for safety before vaccines are approved for use in Australia, and their safety continues to be monitored after they are introduced.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides evidence-based guidance on the safe and effective use of vaccines in Australia, including recommendations for children and adolescents.
As with medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most reactions are mild and temporary and may include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Headache or muscle aches, particularly in older children
These reactions generally settle within a short period. Your vaccination provider can explain the expected effects of the specific vaccines your child receives and what you should look out for afterwards.
Serious reactions are uncommon, but parents should seek medical advice if they are concerned about their child’s symptoms following vaccination.
What Happens at a Childhood Vaccination Appointment?
A childhood vaccination appointment is usually straightforward. Before giving any paediatric immunisations, your GP or immunisation provider will review your child’s vaccination history and check whether any vaccines are due.
You may be asked about:
- Previous vaccinations and any reactions
- Allergies
- Current illnesses or symptoms
- Medical conditions
- Medicines your child takes
- Conditions or treatments that affect the immune system
- Upcoming travel or other relevant circumstances
The healthcare professional will use this information to determine which vaccines are appropriate and whether any vaccination needs to be delayed or avoided.
Depending on your child’s age and vaccination history, they may receive more than one vaccine during the same appointment. After vaccination, children are generally asked to remain at the healthcare facility for at least 15 minutes so they can be observed for any immediate reaction.
Can Children Receive More Than One Vaccine at Once?
Yes. Children may receive several recommended vaccines during the same appointment. This is a routine part of paediatric immunisations and allows children to receive the protection they need without requiring a separate appointment for every vaccine.
Some vaccines are also available as combination vaccines, which provide protection against more than one disease in a single injection.
Australian vaccination guidance provides recommendations on which vaccines can be given during the same visit. Your GP or immunisation provider will determine which vaccines your child needs and how they should be administered.
What If My Child Has a Cold on Vaccination Day?
Having a mild illness does not necessarily mean your child needs to miss a vaccination appointment. For example, a child with a minor cold may still be able to receive their scheduled paediatric immunisations.
However, the decision depends on your child’s symptoms, overall condition and the vaccines being considered. Tell your GP or immunisation provider if your child is unwell before vaccination. They can assess your child and advise whether vaccination should go ahead or be postponed.
What Should Parents Expect After Vaccination?
Most children have no serious problems after vaccination. Some may experience mild, temporary reactions as their immune system responds to the vaccine.
Common reactions can include:
- Tenderness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Mild fever
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Reduced appetite
These reactions generally settle within a short period. Your healthcare provider can explain what to expect after your child’s specific paediatric immunisations and provide age-appropriate advice on keeping your child comfortable.
If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms after vaccination, contact your GP or healthcare provider for advice. If your child develops signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical assistance by calling Triple Zero (000).
What If My Child Misses a Vaccination?
If your child misses a scheduled vaccination, it does not necessarily mean they need to restart their entire vaccination course. Catch-up vaccination is available for children who are behind the recommended schedule.
A GP or immunisation provider can review your child’s vaccination history and:
- Identify which vaccines or doses are missing
- Check which previous doses are still valid
- Determine which vaccines are currently due
- Create an appropriate catch-up schedule
Catch-up vaccination is designed to bring children up to date as efficiently as possible while providing appropriate protection. If your child has missed one or more paediatric immunisations, speak with your GP or immunisation provider rather than assuming it is too late to catch up.
Healthcare professionals can also use the National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator to help determine an appropriate schedule for children and young people under 20.
What Is the Australian Immunisation Register?
The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is Australia’s national register for recording vaccinations. Keeping your child’s AIR record up to date can make it easier to check which paediatric immunisations they have received and whether any are due.
Parents can use an immunisation history statement to check information such as:
- Vaccinations that have been recorded
- Vaccinations that may be due or overdue
- Their child’s vaccination history for relevant administrative purposes
Parents can access an immunisation history statement for children under 14 through Services Australia. From age 14, young people can generally access their own immunisation history through their Medicare online account linked to myGov.
If a vaccine your child has received does not appear on their AIR record, contact the vaccination provider so they can check the information and update the record if required.
Immunisation and Child Care
Keeping your child’s vaccination records up to date can be important when they attend child care. An AIR immunisation history statement can provide evidence of vaccination status and show whether vaccinations have been recorded as due or overdue.
Immunisation status can also affect eligibility for certain Australian Government payments, including aspects of the Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit.
If you are unsure whether your child’s records are complete, ask your GP or immunisation provider to review their AIR record and current vaccination requirements.
Does My Child Need a Flu Vaccine Every Year?
Yes. Influenza vaccination is recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and older. Annual vaccination is recommended because influenza viruses can change over time, while protection from previous vaccination decreases.
Under the National Immunisation Program, influenza vaccination is funded for children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
Some children may need two influenza vaccine doses during their first season of vaccination, depending on their age and previous influenza vaccination history. Your GP or immunisation provider can advise which schedule is appropriate for your child.
Do Children With Medical Conditions Need Different Vaccinations?
Some children with medical conditions may have additional vaccination needs or require specific advice about certain vaccines. This is because some health conditions can increase the risk of serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Additional or modified recommendations may apply to children with conditions affecting areas such as:
- The immune system
- The heart
- The lungs
- The kidneys
- The spleen
- Other chronic health conditions
Some vaccines may be particularly important for children with certain medical conditions, while others may not be suitable in specific circumstances, such as significant immunocompromise.
If your child has a chronic health condition, has a weakened immune system or takes medicines that affect immune function, speak with their GP or specialist before vaccination. They can advise which paediatric immunisations are appropriate and whether any additional precautions are needed.
How Can Parents Make Vaccination Appointments Easier?
Some children feel nervous about injections, but a little preparation can make paediatric immunisation appointments easier.
For younger children, bring a favourite toy, book or video to provide a distraction. Holding and comforting your child can also help them feel more secure during the appointment.
For older children, explain what will happen using calm and simple language. Rather than promising that the injection will not hurt, you can explain that they may feel a quick pinch or sting and reassure them that you will be there to support them.
If your child is particularly anxious about needles or has had a difficult vaccination experience before, let the clinic know when booking or before the appointment. The healthcare team may be able to provide additional support and help make the experience more comfortable.
Need Advice About Your Child’s Immunisations?
Keeping your child’s paediatric immunisations up to date can sometimes feel confusing, especially if vaccinations have been missed or your child has specific health needs.
The team at The Peninsula Medical Centre can help you understand your child’s vaccination requirements, review their immunisation history and provide guidance based on their individual circumstances.
If you have questions about your child’s vaccination schedule or need advice about catch-up vaccinations, contact The Peninsula Medical Centre to discuss your child’s immunisation needs with a healthcare professional.
FAQs
What are paediatric immunisations?
Paediatric immunisations are vaccines given during infancy, childhood and adolescence to help protect children against serious infectious diseases. The vaccines recommended depend on the child’s age, health, vaccination history and individual circumstances.
When should my child receive their vaccinations?
Children receive vaccinations at specific stages from infancy through childhood and adolescence under Australia’s National Immunisation Program. The exact timing depends on the child’s age and vaccination history. Parents should check the current schedule with their GP or immunisation provider.
What happens if my child misses a vaccination?
Missing a scheduled vaccination does not usually mean your child needs to restart the entire course. A GP or immunisation provider can review their vaccination history and create an appropriate catch-up vaccination schedule.
Does my child need a flu vaccine every year?
Yes. Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for everyone aged 6 months and older. Under the National Immunisation Program, influenza vaccination is funded for children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
How can I check my child’s vaccination history?
Your child’s vaccination history can be checked through their Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) immunisation history statement. Parents can access statements for children under 14 through Services Australia.
Do children with medical conditions need different vaccinations?
Some children with medical conditions, weakened immune systems or other risk factors may have additional vaccination recommendations or require specific advice. Speak with your child’s GP or specialist about which vaccines are appropriate.
The Bottom Line
Paediatric immunisations are an important part of preventive healthcare throughout childhood.
Australia’s National Immunisation Program provides a structured schedule designed to protect children against a range of potentially serious infectious diseases. Keeping vaccinations up to date also helps protect vulnerable people within the wider community.
If you are unsure whether your child’s vaccinations are current, have recently moved to Australia or know that some vaccinations have been missed, a GP can review their immunisation history and develop an appropriate catch-up plan where needed.
Because vaccination recommendations can change, always check the latest Australian guidance or speak with your healthcare provider rather than relying on an older vaccination schedule.