Childhood Immunisations: What Parents Need to Know
Reviewed by the GP team at Griffin Medical Centre||5 min read
Key takeaways
- Childhood immunisations in Australia are free under the National Immunisation Program.
- Vaccines are scheduled from birth to Year 7, with key doses at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months.
- Mild fever or redness at the injection site is common and settles quickly.
- Missed doses can be caught up at any time, so book a catch-up plan with your GP.
Childhood immunisations are a crucial part of protecting your child from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Australia's National Immunisation Program (NIP) ensures children receive free, safe and effective vaccines at key developmental stages, from the first days of life through to high school.
Why immunise?
Vaccinations protect your child and help reduce the spread of disease in the community. By following the schedule, you contribute to herd immunity, which safeguards vulnerable people who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns and those undergoing cancer treatment.
Diseases prevented by routine vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal disease
- Meningococcal disease
- Rotavirus
The national immunisation schedule
Vaccines are scheduled from birth through adolescence. Key stages include:
- Birth, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months
- 4 years
- Year 7 (HPV and dTpa)
A full copy of the schedule is available through the Australian Government Department of Health, or you can speak with the team at Griffin Medical Centre for guidance about your child's next dose.
Addressing common concerns
Safety
All vaccines used in Australia are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety and effectiveness before and after approval.
Side effects
Mild fever, swelling or redness at the injection site are common and temporary. Extra fluids, a cuddle and paracetamol if advised are usually all that is needed.
Vaccine hesitancy
Talk to a GP about this
Bulk billing for all patients with a valid Medicare card.
If you have concerns, speak to your GP. We are here to provide balanced, factual information, and no question is too small. You can read more about how vaccines work for every age group in our post on vaccinations and community protection.
Immunisation records
Ensure your child's records are kept up to date on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This is important for school and childcare entry, travel, and future medical care. You can view your child's history through your Medicare online account, and our reception team can help if something looks missing.
When to see your GP
Book a consultation if you are unsure whether your child is up to date, missed a vaccine, or needs a catch-up plan. Delays reduce the effectiveness of protection, but catch-up is almost always possible at any age. Appointments for immunisation are quick, and our nurses are experienced at keeping little ones calm.
Immunisation is one part of a broader picture of family health. Regular check-ups also matter for parents, and our guide to women's health screenings explains what to book and when. You can see the full list of what we offer on our services page.
Griffin Medical Centre provides all NIP vaccines and can help answer any questions you have about your child's immunisation journey. Griffin Medical Centre cares for families across Griffin, Murrumba Downs, North Lakes, Mango Hill and Kallangur.
