Immunisation
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Immunisation prevents many illnesses in children and adults. Immunising yourself or your children is important for not only your health, but also for the health of your community because when enough people are immunised diseases no longer spread. If you want to know more about immunisation – how it works, what vaccinations you need and what the possible side effects are – speak with your GP. You can also find out more about immunisation in this section.
Information in your language
Information in your language about
- Australian bat lyssavirus infection
The simplest form of prevention for lyssavirus is to avoid close contact with bats.
- Chickenpox – immunisation
Immunisation against chickenpox can protect your child from getting chickenpox and from the possible serious complications of chickenpox.
- COVID-19 vaccination
How to book your COVID-19 booster appointment and advice about vaccination.
- Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that causes severe inflammation of the nose, throat and windpipe.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that causes a life-threatening infection that can lead to serious illness, especially in children.
- Hepatitis A
Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and it is recommended for people in high-risk groups.
- Hepatitis B – immunisation
Immunisation against hepatitis B reduces the risk of infection in babies.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) and immunisation
Information about human papillomavirus (HPV) including symptoms, causes, prevention, sexual transmission, cervical screening and immunisation to protect against cervical and HPV-related cancers.
- Immunisation – DTP, polio, hep B and Hib
A number of combined immunisations against diphtheria, tetanus and other infectious diseases are available to provide protection at various life stages.
- Immunisation history statements for children
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.
- Influenza (flu) – immunisation
Influenza (flu) immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups.
- Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a disease spread from animals to humans, caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira.
- Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) – immunisation
Immunisation is the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
- Meningococcal disease – immunisation
Meningococcal group vaccines provide good protection against meningococcal group diseases.
- Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands, and a swollen face.
- Pneumococcal disease – immunisation
Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease, especially in young children.
- Polio – immunisation
You need several doses of the vaccine before you are fully protected against polio.
- Pre-immunisation checklist
This pre-immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation.
- Rabies
Rabies is a highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system.
- Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis for Australian babies and preschool children.
- Rotavirus – immunisation
Children need several doses of the vaccine to reduce the risk of rotavirus.
- Secondary School Immunisation Program
Some immunisations are recommended for all Australian teenagers.
- Smallpox
Smallpox was once a feared and highly contagious viral disease.
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.
- Typhoid and paratyphoid
Signs, symptoms and prevention of typhoid and paratyphoid
- Whooping cough – a family’s experience (video)
A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)
- Whooping cough (Pertussis)
The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound.
- Why immunisation is important
Immunisation saves lives. It protects you, your family and your community. And it also helps protect future generations by eradicating diseases.
- Immunisation – common questions
We answer some common questions about immunisation, including how immunisation works, why it's important and where you can be immunised.
- Immunisation – side effects
Find out more about possible side effects of immunisation.
- Immunisations for older people
Immunisations are important for you as you get older, because your immune system can become less effective at protecting you from some diseases.
- Pre-immunisation checklist
This pre-immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation.
- Whooping cough – a family’s experience (video)
A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)
- Why immunisation is important
Immunisation saves lives. It protects you, your family and your community. And it also helps protect future generations by eradicating diseases.
- Immune system explained
The immune system remembers every germ it has ever overcome.
- Immunisation – common questions
We answer some common questions about immunisation, including how immunisation works, why it's important and where you can be immunised.
- Immunisations - vaccinations in Victoria, Australia (video)
The immunisation program in Victoria may be different than other countries, and individuals who have moved to Victoria from overseas may need catch-up immunisations.
- Infections – bacterial and viral
Many bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but they are useless against viral infections.
- Pre-immunisation checklist
This pre-immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation.
- Vaccines
Vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies to provide immunity against one or several diseases.
- Why immunisation is important
Immunisation saves lives. It protects you, your family and your community. And it also helps protect future generations by eradicating diseases.
- Childhood immunisation
Being immunised from an early age helps protect your child against serious childhood infections.
- How to find your immunisation records
Immunisations are recorded on the centralised Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Individuals can download their Immunisation History Statement from the AIR.
- Immunisation – common questions
We answer some common questions about immunisation, including how immunisation works, why it's important and where you can be immunised.
- Immunisation – DTP, polio, hep B and Hib
A number of combined immunisations against diphtheria, tetanus and other infectious diseases are available to provide protection at various life stages.
- Immunisation and pregnancy
Immunisation can protect a woman and her unborn baby against many infectious diseases.
- Immunisation history statements for children
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.
- Immunisation – deciding which vaccines you need
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.
- Immunisations – catch-ups and boosters
If you've recently arrived in Australia or missed out on an immunisation for any reason, you may need catch-up doses.
- Immunisations for older people
Immunisations are important for you as you get older, because your immune system can become less effective at protecting you from some diseases.
- Immunisations for work
Some jobs have a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, so if your job is one of these, it’s a good idea to check your immunisation status.
- Influenza (flu) – immunisation
Influenza (flu) immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups.
- Pre-immunisation checklist
This pre-immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation.
- Recent arrivals, asylum seekers and family support services
Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.
- Secondary School Immunisation Program
Some immunisations are recommended for all Australian teenagers.
- Why immunisation is important
Immunisation saves lives. It protects you, your family and your community. And it also helps protect future generations by eradicating diseases.
- Immunisation – common questions
We answer some common questions about immunisation, including how immunisation works, why it's important and where you can be immunised.
- Immunisation – side effects
Find out more about possible side effects of immunisation.
- Immunisation and pregnancy
Immunisation can protect a woman and her unborn baby against many infectious diseases.
- Immunisation history statements for children
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.
- Immunisation – deciding which vaccines you need
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.
- Immunisations - vaccinations in Victoria, Australia (video)
The immunisation program in Victoria may be different than other countries, and individuals who have moved to Victoria from overseas may need catch-up immunisations.
- Immunisations for older people
Immunisations are important for you as you get older, because your immune system can become less effective at protecting you from some diseases.
- Immunisations for work
Some jobs have a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, so if your job is one of these, it’s a good idea to check your immunisation status.
- Pre-immunisation checklist
This pre-immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation.
- Whooping cough – a family’s experience (video)
A family shares their experience when their baby daughter contracted whooping cough (or pertussis)
- COVID-19 vaccination
How to book your COVID-19 booster appointment and advice about vaccination.
- Childhood immunisation
Being immunised from an early age helps protect your child against serious childhood infections.
- How to find your immunisation records
Immunisations are recorded on the centralised Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Individuals can download their Immunisation History Statement from the AIR.
- Immunisation – common questions
We answer some common questions about immunisation, including how immunisation works, why it's important and where you can be immunised.
- Immunisation history statements for children
By law, parents or guardians must provide an Immunisation History Statement when enrolling children in any childcare service, kindergarten or primary school in Victoria.
- Immunisations – catch-ups and boosters
If you've recently arrived in Australia or missed out on an immunisation for any reason, you may need catch-up doses.
- Immunisations for older people
Immunisations are important for you as you get older, because your immune system can become less effective at protecting you from some diseases.
- Pre-immunisation checklist
This pre-immunisation checklist will help you prepare so you know what to expect and what information you will need to give your GP or clinic staff before your immunisation.
- Recent arrivals, asylum seekers and family support services
Provides an overview of family support programs and health services available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Victoria.
- Secondary School Immunisation Program
Some immunisations are recommended for all Australian teenagers.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial disease that causes severe inflammation of the nose, throat and windpipe.
- Hepatitis A
Immunisation is the best protection against hepatitis A infection and it is recommended for people in high-risk groups.
- Hepatitis B – immunisation
Immunisation against hepatitis B reduces the risk of infection in babies.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) and immunisation
Information about human papillomavirus (HPV) including symptoms, causes, prevention, sexual transmission, cervical screening and immunisation to protect against cervical and HPV-related cancers.
- Immunisation – deciding which vaccines you need
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.
- Immunisation – DTP, polio, hep B and Hib
A number of combined immunisations against diphtheria, tetanus and other infectious diseases are available to provide protection at various life stages.
- Immunisations – catch-ups and boosters
If you've recently arrived in Australia or missed out on an immunisation for any reason, you may need catch-up doses.
- Infections – bacterial and viral
Many bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but they are useless against viral infections.
- Influenza (flu) – immunisation
Influenza (flu) immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups.
- Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) – immunisation
Immunisation is the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox).
- Meningitis
Meningitis can cause death and requires urgent medical attention.
- Meningococcal disease – immunisation
Meningococcal group vaccines provide good protection against meningococcal group diseases.
- Pneumococcal disease – immunisation
Immunisation can substantially reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease, especially in young children.
- Polio – immunisation
You need several doses of the vaccine before you are fully protected against polio.
- Pregnancy and travel
Travelling to developing nations is not encouraged during pregnancy, due to the risk of disease and the standard of medical facilities.
- Rotavirus – immunisation
Children need several doses of the vaccine to reduce the risk of rotavirus.
- Rubella
Rubella is a mild illness for most people, but very dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.
- Tetanus
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.
- Travel health - yellow fever immunisation
If you are travelling or passing through areas infected with yellow fever, some countries require you to be vaccinated.
- Travel immunisation
If you are travelling overseas, check with your doctor well in advance to find out what immunisations you need.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread when a person with an active infection coughs, laughs, sings or sneezes.
- Typhoid and paratyphoid
Signs, symptoms and prevention of typhoid and paratyphoid
- Vaccines
Vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies to provide immunity against one or several diseases.
- Who provides immunisations in Victoria
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, GPs, nurses in medical clinics and community health services, maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics, pharmacists and hospitals.
- Whooping cough (Pertussis)
The major symptom of whooping cough is a severe cough, which is often followed by a 'whooping' sound.
- Immunisation – deciding which vaccines you need
Everyone's immunisation needs are different and are influenced by your health, lifestyle, age and occupation.
- Immunisations for work
Some jobs have a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, so if your job is one of these, it’s a good idea to check your immunisation status.
- Influenza (flu) – immunisation
Influenza (flu) immunisation is recommended for people in known high risk groups.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022