Birth
Hepatitis B — usually given at the hospital before discharge. Single injection in the
thigh. Mild side effects only.
6 weeks
First major round. Hexavalent (DTPa-IPV-Hep B-Hib) — 6 vaccines in one shot covering
diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae B. Plus
Pneumococcal and Rotavirus (oral). Three injections + one drink. Most
babies are fine after a paracetamol dose.
4 months
Second round of the same vaccines. Pattern continues — your child’s immune system is building strong
protection.
6 months
Third round of hexavalent + rotavirus. Pneumococcal omitted at this visit (next dose at 12 months).
12 months
Big visit. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Meningococcal ACWY, and
Pneumococcal. This is when many children have their first significant febrile reaction
— totally normal, usually fades within 24–48 hours. Plenty of cuddles.
18 months
MMR-V (combines MMR + chickenpox/varicella) and a Hib + Hepatitis B
booster. Last of the very-young-child schedule.
4 years
Pre-school booster. DTPa-IPV (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio) — the
“4-year boosters.” Now combined with a comprehensive Healthy Kids Check (free under Medicare) — growth,
vision, hearing, dental, school readiness.
Year 7 (school program)
HPV (Gardasil 9) — 2-dose course, protects against cervical, anal, throat and other
cancers. Free under the NIP for boys and girls. Boostrix (whooping cough booster).
Usually delivered in school.
Year 10 (school program)
Meningococcal ACWY booster — important for teens entering university and shared
accommodation in the future.
What if we missed a dose?
The NIP covers free catch-up vaccinations for children up to age 19. Bring your blue book or we can
look up records via the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Your GP creates a personalised catch-up
schedule — usually 1–3 visits to bring everything up to date.
Side effects to expect
Most common: low-grade fever (under 38.5°C), tenderness or redness at the injection site, slight
irritability, sleepiness. All usually resolve in 24–48 hours. Paracetamol (Panadol
Children’s) is safe and effective. Cold compress on the injection site helps. Call us if your child has
a high fever (over 39°C), unusual rash, or seems unusually unwell.
📌 Key Takeaways
- All NIP vaccines are FREE for eligible children
- Vaccines start at birth and continue through Year 10
- Mild fever and irritability for 24–48 hours is normal
- Catch-up vaccines are free up to age 19
- Year 7 HPV is free for boys and girls
- Bring your blue book to every appointment