Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children is one of the most comprehensive in the world, and one of the most successful, our coverage rates protect not just individual children but the whole community. Here’s what the schedule looks like from birth to four years, why each visit matters, and where to be vaccinated. Most early childhood doses are delivered by GPs or local council immunisation services, our pharmacist immunisers vaccinate from age 5 under current Victorian scope of practice.
At birth
A single dose of hepatitis B vaccine is given to all newborns, ideally within 7 days of birth. It protects against hepatitis B from very early, when consequences of infection are most severe (chronic carriage in around 90% of infants infected at birth).
2, 4 and 6 months
The infant series uses combination vaccines so a single injection covers multiple diseases:
- DTPa-hepB-IPV-Hib, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at 2, 4 and 12 months.
- Rotavirus (oral) at 2 and 4 months.
These visits build the foundation of childhood protection. Side effects are usually mild, injection-site soreness, a grumpy day or two, sometimes a low-grade fever.
12 months
- MMR, measles, mumps and rubella.
- Meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine.
- Pneumococcal booster.
18 months
- MMRV, MMR plus varicella (chickenpox).
- DTPa booster.
- Hib booster.
4 years
A single combination dose of DTPa-IPV just before school entry, plus a routine record check to make sure your child is up to date for childcare and school enrolment. See our companion post on the pre-school check.
Why timing matters
The dates aren’t arbitrary, they’re chosen so that protection kicks in before disease risk is highest, while the infant immune system is mature enough to respond well. Doses given earlier than recommended may not produce strong protection, doses given much later leave a child unprotected during the vulnerable window. Catch-up is straightforward if you’ve missed a dose, your GP will recalculate the schedule.
Where to be vaccinated
- Your GP (most common).
- Local council immunisation sessions, free, usually weekly or fortnightly across most Vic councils.
- Maternal and child health nurses for early doses.
- Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
See your AIR record any time to confirm your child is up to date.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are referred to by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands and registered indications are discussed at the consultation.