Immunisation for young children

Benefits of immunisation

Vaccinations protect children from the most serious childhood infections, some of which may threaten their lives. There are free, routine vaccines at 18 months and 4 years of age.

Influenza can also be serious for young children. All children aged 6 months to less than 5 years can get a free influenza immunisation each year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children with medical risk conditions, can get extra free vaccines.

You can find out more about immunisation for infants and children on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Immunisation and family payments

Your child’s vaccinations need to be up to date to get some family payments, like Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy. Find out more about immunisation requirements for these payments on the Services Australia website.

Get your child’s immunisation history statement

You can get your child’s immunisation history statement using your Medicare online account through myGov.

It shows the vaccinations they’ve had that are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register.

There are other ways to get your child’s immunisation history statement if you can’t use your Medicare online account. Find out how to get your child’s immunisation history statement.