National Immunisation Program Schedule


The Australian National Immunisation Program Schedule sets out the immunisations Australians are given at different stages in their life. The program aims to reduce the number of preventable disease cases in Australia by increasing national immunisation coverage. The program starts for an Australian when they are born. Vaccinations are given at birth, then again when the baby is 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months. The immunisation schedule continues when the child is 4 years old, and then into adolescent years. The program is not compulsory and parents have the choice if they want their child vaccinated.

Background

The National Immunisation Program was first introduced in Australia in 1997. The program was set up by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The most recent update to the National Immunisation Program was effective since 1 April 2019. This was an update from the 2007 schedule, one change including the introduction of meningococcal ACWY vaccination for adolescents. The National Immunisation Program Schedule includes vaccines that are funded for children, adolescents and adults. Additional vaccinations necessary when traveling to particular countries are not included in the program, nor are they funded.
"At September 2019, the national immunisation coverage rates were:
The national coverage rate has increased over the last 10 years, as of 2019.

National Immunisation Program Schedule

Childhood vaccinations

Birth
2 weeks
4 months
6 months
12 months
18 months
4 years
12 – 13 years
14 – 16 years
15 – 49 years
50 years and over
70 – 79 years

Citations and references