Knowing which vaccines you need at each stage of life helps keep you protected from preventable diseases and strengthens community immunity – protecting those who are most vulnerable.
This guide explains which vaccines you or your family should have, how to check if you’re up to date, and where to go in South Western Sydney to get vaccinated.
Be an Immunisation Hero.
Key points
- The main life stages for vaccination are infancy and childhood, teenage years, adulthood, pregnancy and older age.
- If you are travelling overseas, check which vaccines are recommended for your destination.
- Extra vaccines are available for First Nations people and those at greater risk of disease.
- Many vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
- You can check your vaccination record through the Medicare app or myGov.
Vaccination during pregnancy
Vaccination protects you and your unborn baby from infections that can cause serious illness. It is recommended pregnant women are vaccinated against:
- Influenza (flu) – any time during pregnancy
- Whooping cough (pertussis) – between 20 and 32 weeks
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – between 28 and 36 weeks
If you are planning a pregnancy, make sure your routine vaccines are up to date before you conceive.
Trusted websites for pregnancy vaccinations
SKAI – Pregnancy and Newborn Vaccinations
Find clear, mum-to-be-friendly advice on which vaccines are recommended before, during, and after pregnancy, how they protect your baby, and what to expect at your appointment.
skai.org.au/pregnancy-and-newborn
Australian Government – Maternal Vaccinations
Learn which vaccines are free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program – including influenza, whooping cough, and RSV – and at what stage of your pregnancy they’re best given. This page also links to a brochure available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
www.health.gov.au/maternal-vaccinations
NSW Health – Vaccinations Before, During and After Pregnancy
Read about the vaccines recommended in NSW to protect you and your baby, including how maternal antibodies help shield newborns in the first months of life.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
NSW Health – Maternal RSV Vaccine
Learn about the RSV vaccine given during pregnancy and how it helps prevent serious illness in babies during their first six months.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
SKAI – Vaccinating in the Second Trimester
Understand why the whooping cough vaccine is recommended between 20–32 weeks and how flu and COVID-19 vaccines fit into your pregnancy timeline.
skai.org.au/pregnancy-and-newborn
SKAI – How Vaccines Affect My Baby
Find reassurance on how vaccines protect your baby through antibodies passed from you during pregnancy, with evidence-based answers to common safety questions.
skai.org.au/pregnancy-and-newborn
Vaccines from birth to four years
Routine childhood immunisations protect your child from serious infections and help build herd immunity to protect others in the community.
|
Disease |
Age |
|
hepatitis B (usually offered in hospital) |
Birth |
|
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), rotavirus, pneumococcal disease |
2 months |
|
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), rotavirus, pneumococcal disease |
4 months |
|
6 months to less than 5 years - given annually |
|
|
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) |
6 months |
|
12 months
|
|
|
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox (varicella) diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) |
18 months
|
|
4 years |
First Nations infants and children in NSW are eligible for free vaccines to protect against meningococcal B at six weeks, four months and 12 months, and pneumococcal disease - an extra dose at six months.
Childcare and family assistance requirements
Childcare - No Jab No Play
Children must be fully immunised or on an approved catch-up program to attend childcare. Some children may be medically exempt with documentation from a qualified doctor or specialist.
The NCIRS website provides more information
Family assistance - No Jab No Play
Children must be up-to-date with vaccinations to receive family assistance payments. Some exemptions apply.
Visit this health.gov.au webpage for details
Service Australia website – immunisation requirements
Trusted childhood immunisation websites
SKAI – Childhood Immunisation
Find trusted, easy-to-understand information about each childhood vaccine, why it’s recommended, and what to expect before and after your child’s appointment.
skai.org.au/childhood
Australian Government – Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule
See which vaccines your child needs and when, from birth to four years, to stay protected and up to date with Australia’s National Immunisation Program.
www.health.gov.au/childhood-immunisation
Australian Government – Childhood Immunisation Overview
Learn about how childhood vaccines are given, which ones are free, and how immunisation helps protect your family and community.
www.health.gov.au/childhood-immunisation
NSW Health – Childcare Enrolment and Immunisation
Find out what vaccination records are needed when enrolling your child in childcare in NSW – and what to do if they’re not up to date.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
NCIRS – No Jab, No Play / No Jab, No Pay
Understand how Australia’s No Jab, No Play and No Jab, No Pay policies work, and what to do if you’re catching up on vaccinations or need an exemption.
ncirs.org.au/public/no-jab-no-play-no-jab-no-pay
Australian Government – Immunisation and Family Assistance Benefits
Learn how being up to date with your child’s vaccinations affects payments such as Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy.
www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation
Department of Social Services – Family Assistance Guide
Read about approved exemptions for immunisation requirements, including medical reasons, natural immunity, or overseas vaccination records.
guides.dss.gov.au/family-assistance-guide
Services Australia – IM011 Medical Exemption Form
See the form your GP or specialist can use to record a valid medical exemption on the Australian Immunisation Register.
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
Vaccines for teenagers
Teenagers are usually vaccinated through school programs. Catch-up vaccinations are available through GPs, pharmacies, and other immunisation providers if missed. Some teenagers may be recommended to get additional vaccines, such as the meningococcal B vaccine, based on their health status.
School-based vaccinations
- In Year 7: Human papillomavirus (HPV), diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough
- In Year 10: Meningococcal ACWY
Immunisation for teenagers – trusted websites
SKAI – Adolescent Vaccinations
Find clear, evidence-based information written for parents about why teenage vaccines are important, what’s included in the school program, what to expect on vaccination day, and how to talk to your teen about vaccination.
skai.org.au/adolescent
NSW Health – School Vaccination Program
Find out which free vaccines are offered through the NSW school vaccination program, how to provide consent, and what to expect on vaccination day.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
Australian Government – Immunisation for Adolescents
Learn which vaccines are recommended and funded for teenagers, how the school-based vaccination program works, and where to go for catch-up doses if needed.
www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation
Australian Government – Adolescent Vaccinations Brochure
Download or print this easy-to-read brochure explaining which vaccines are offered to teenagers, when they’re given, and what side effects to expect.
www.health.gov.au/resources
Australian Government – Vaccination Videos for High School Students
Watch short, engaging videos designed for high school students which explain why vaccination matters and what to expect on vaccination day.
www.health.gov.au/resources
Adult vaccinations
Even in adulthood, vaccination is an important part of staying healthy. Protection from some childhood vaccines fades, and new vaccines are available to prevent illnesses that become more serious with age.
The vaccines you need depend on your age, health, travel plans and vaccination history. Some are free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP); others may require payment.
Age-based vaccines available through the NIP
Some vaccines are funded through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for adults in specific age or population groups:
|
Vaccine |
Who is eligible under NIP |
Notes |
|
Influenza (flu) |
Adults 65+, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, people with medical conditions |
Updated annually |
|
Shingles (herpes zoster) |
Adults 65+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults 50+, adults 18+ with certain medical conditions |
Two doses |
|
Pneumococcal |
Adults 70+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from an earlier age, people with risk conditions |
Vaccine type depends on age and health |
Even when a vaccine is free, your GP or clinic may charge a consultation fee.
Shingles vaccine
Shingles can cause a painful rash and long-term nerve pain. The vaccine is free under the NIP for:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults 50 and over
- Adults 18 and over with certain medical conditions
Others can be vaccinated privately. Ask your GP if it’s suitable for you.
Read more about shingles vaccination
Booster vaccines for adults
Some vaccines need booster doses to maintain protection, including diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Adults aged 50 and over should ask their GP if boosters are due, especially if they care for infants.
People with medical risk conditions
If you have a chronic illness or a weakened immune system, you may need extra vaccines or earlier doses. Some are funded under the NIP, while others may need to be arranged privately. Examples include pneumococcal, meningococcal, Hib, influenza and shingles vaccines.
For advice, speak with your GP.
Read more on immunisation for people with medical risk conditions
Catch-up vaccinations for younger adults
People up to 20 years old (or 25 for HPV) can receive missed vaccines for free under the NIP. Refugees and humanitarian entrants can also access free catch-up vaccines under the National Immunisation Program.
If you are older than these cut-offs, catch-ups may still be possible but are usually not subsidised. Your GP can advise what can be arranged privately.
Other adult vaccines
- COVID-19: boosters may be recommended depending on age and health.
- Hepatitis A and B, HPV, and travel vaccines: Some adults may be advised to have these, though they are not funded under the National Immunisation Program.
Immunisation for adults - trusted websites
Australian Government – Immunisation
Comprehensive information about vaccines for all ages, including which vaccines adults may need and how to stay up to date.
www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation
NSW Health – Immunisation
Information on vaccination programs and schedules in NSW, including adult vaccines and who is eligible for free immunisation.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
Australian Government – National Immunisation Program Schedule
View the current schedule to see which vaccines are recommended and funded for adults at different life stages.
Extra vaccines for First Nations people
As a First Nations person, you may be more at risk of getting a vaccine-preventable disease. Extra vaccines are available for free to help protect you and your community. Free vaccines for First Nations people in NSW include:
- flu
- Pneumococcal disease
- shingles
Your GP or Aboriginal health worker can advise which vaccines you need and when to have them.
Immunisation for First Nations people – trusted websites
Australian Government – Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Find out which free vaccines are recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at different ages and life stages.
www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation
NSW Health – Immunisation for Aboriginal People
Information about free vaccines for Aboriginal people in NSW and why they are important for protecting families and communities.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
Australian Government – Vaccinate to Protect Your Baby Against Meningococcal B
A brochure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents about the free meningococcal B vaccine for babies and young children.
Travelling overseas
If you’re travelling overseas, speak to your GP or travel health clinic to check which vaccines are recommended or required for your destination. The Vaccine Hub Travel Map advises which vaccines are recommended for your destination.
Immunisation for travellers – trusted websites
Vaccine Hub Travel Map
Find travel vaccination advice for your destination. This map-based tool shows which vaccines may be recommended or required before you travel.
www.vaccinehub.com.au/map/travel
Smartraveller – Vaccinations and Travel Health
Learn which diseases are present in different regions and how to protect yourself. Includes government travel health advice and vaccination recommendations for Australians going overseas.
Where to get vaccinated
You can receive adult vaccines from:
- Your GP or medical centre
- Community health clinics
- Local council immunisation services
- Pharmacies (availability varies by state or territory)
- Aboriginal Medical Services
When booking, check whether a consultation or service fee applies, even if your vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program.
How to check if you’re up-to-date with your vaccinations
You can check your vaccination history online through your Medicare account or myGov. Log in to myGov and link your Medicare account to view or download your Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can also use the Medicare mobile app to see your record on your phone. If you’re unsure how to access it, your GP or practice nurse can check your vaccination history for you and help you work out if you’re up to date.