As a parent, you want to give your child the best start in life. Navigating immunisation schedules, enrolment requirements and health records can feel daunting, so this page brings together the basics in one place. It explains the key ages for routine childhood immunisation, how to check your child’s records, what to do if they have missed vaccines or were vaccinated overseas, and where to find trusted information.
This is a quick, practical overview with links for parents who want more detail.
Key points
- Most childhood immunisations happen from birth to 18 months, then again at four years
- Many early childhood services follow No Jab, No Play requirements
- All routine childhood vaccines are free through the National Immunisation Program
- First Nations children can receive extra free vaccines
- Your child’s vaccines are recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register
- Catch-up vaccinations are free for people under 20 years
- Overseas vaccination records can be added to the Australian Immunisation Register by your GP or practice nurse
Ages and stages
The early years are the busiest time for immunisation. From birth to 18 months, your child will receive several scheduled vaccines to protect them from serious infections. This is followed by booster vaccinations at four years.
High school students receive additional vaccines through the NSW School Vaccination Program, which runs through most secondary schools each year.
For the full, detailed schedule, see the NSW Health or Australian Government immunisation schedule pages.
SKAI – Childhood vaccinations
Immunisation schedule for children – Department Health, Disability and Ageing
NSW School Vaccination Program
Cost and access
All routine childhood vaccines are free through the National Immunisation Program.
First Nations children are eligible for extra free vaccines, helping protect them from higher risks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
If your child has missed some doses, catch-up vaccinations are free for people under 20 years. A GP or practice nurse can create a catch-up plan based on your child’s needs.
National Immunisation Program explained
Immunisation records and proof
Every vaccination your child receives in Australia is recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register. You can view your child’s Immunisation History Statement until they are 14 years old through:
-
- the Medicare app
- your myGov account
- your GP or practice nurse, who can print a copy for you
This statement is commonly needed for daycare or school enrolment, and for some government payments.
Read more: How to see your vaccination record
Overseas vaccinations and catch-ups
If your child was vaccinated overseas, your GP or practice nurse can update the Australian Immunisation Register on your behalf. Records must be translated into English.
If vaccines were missed because your child was born overseas or started late, your GP can organise a catch-up plan. Catch-up vaccines are free for people under 20 years.
Useful link: Services Australia information on adding overseas immunisations.
Childcare, school and family payments
Childcare services in NSW follow No Jab, No Play requirements. This means children need to be up-to-date with their immunisations, on a catch-up plan, or have an approved exemption to enrol.
Some family assistance payments may also depend on your child being up-to-date. Your Immunisation History Statement is the document you will usually be asked to provide.
The NCIRS website provides more information
Where to get vaccinated
In South Western Sydney, childhood immunisations are available at general practices - speak to your usual GP or practice nurse to book an appointment, or the following services:
Local Health District FREE immunisation clinics
Aboriginal health services:
Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service
Gandangara Health Services
Helpful links
NSW Health immunisation schedule
Australian Government National Immunisation Program
Services Australia: adding overseas immunisations