Childhood vaccination is one of the most effective and safest ways to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. By vaccinating on time according to the NSW Childhood Immunisation Schedule, parents can safeguard their children against illnesses like whooping cough, meningococcal disease, measles, and other preventable infections.
Vaccinating on time doesn’t just protect an individual child — it strengthens community protection and helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It also ensures easier enrolment in childcare and preschool programs and enables families to access certain government benefits linked to immunisation compliance.
Why Timely Vaccination Matters
Immunisation experts carefully select the timing of each childhood vaccine to protect children when diseases are most common or most dangerous. Under the National Immunisation Program, children aged 0 to 4 years can receive a series of free vaccines.
Children are scheduled to receive vaccines at these key milestones:
Birth, 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 4 years.
These vaccines protect against conditions such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, rotavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumococcal, and meningococcal diseases. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, additional vaccines are recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and for children with specific medical conditions.
Vaccination Access in NSW
Parents can have their children vaccinated through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, local councils, or community health centres. Public Health Units across NSW can also provide information about local vaccination services and schedules. Families in the Northern Beaches area can access professional GP-led immunisation support through Dee Why Medical Center Doctors.
The vaccines used in Australia are approved and closely monitored by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Even after approval, vaccines continue to be reviewed through ongoing safety monitoring to maintain Australia’s high immunisation standards.
If a child has a minor illness such as a runny nose or mild cold, vaccination can usually still proceed safely. Parents are encouraged to speak with their GP or nurse for advice specific to their child’s situation.
Immunisation Coverage in Australia
Monitoring vaccination coverage helps health authorities track how effectively the population is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. The Australian Government Department of Health reports that as of the latest data, 91.63% of one-year-olds, 89.76% of two-year-olds, and 93.27% of five-year-olds in Australia are fully vaccinated.
While this is high, it falls slightly below Australia’s aspirational 95% coverage target — the level required to maintain strong herd immunity against highly infectious diseases like measles. Herd immunity protects those who cannot be vaccinated, including newborns and people with medical contraindications.
Vaccination and Childcare Enrolment
Under the NSW Public Health Act 2010, children can only be enrolled in childcare or preschool if their immunisation status is up to date, on a catch-up schedule, or medically exempt.
Parents must provide an Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation History Statement marked “up to date”, “catch-up schedule until (date)”, or “medical contraindication/natural immunity”. These documents can be accessed via:
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The Medicare online account through myGov
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The Medicare Express Plus App
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The AIR General Enquiries Line on 1800 653 809
If a child was vaccinated overseas, a GP or nurse should check their record. They can then update it with the AIR to make sure it meets Australian standards.
Vaccine Safety and Monitoring
Before approval, vaccines used in Australia must pass several stages of clinical testing. The TGA ensures each vaccine is effective and safe before registration. Even after release, experts continually monitor each vaccine to identify and respond to any potential side effects.
The Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Health confirm that vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective methods to prevent serious illness in children.
Immunisation Records and Documentation
Parents can access their child’s immunisation record through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You must provide these records for childcare, preschool, and school enrolment.
To obtain an AIR Immunisation History Statement, parents can:
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Log into their Medicare online account via myGov
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Use the Medicare Express Plus App
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Call the AIR on 1800 653 809
Keeping these records updated ensures easy childcare enrolment and helps families stay on track with vaccination schedules.
Building a Healthier Community
Vaccinating children on time not only protects each child but strengthens protection for the entire community. According to NSW Health, widespread vaccination reduces the spread of disease and helps safeguard those who cannot be immunised due to age or medical reasons.
By maintaining high vaccination coverage, NSW continues to protect children’s health and contribute to a safer, healthier future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do childhood vaccinations cause autism?
No. Extensive research has shown no link between vaccines and autism. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before approval.
How can I find my childhood vaccination records?
>>>>You can find your child’s records through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) using your myGov account, the Medicare Express Plus App, or by calling 1800 653 809.
How can I get my childhood vaccination records?
Request an AIR Immunisation History Statement via your Medicare online account or the AIR directly. If any vaccinations are missing, contact your GP or nurse to confirm they’ve reported them to the AIR.
Can my child attend school if not vaccinated in NSW?
>>>>Under the Public Health Act 2010, children must be either fully immunised, on an approved catch-up schedule, or have a valid medical exemption to attend childcare or preschool in NSW.
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References:
NSW Health – Childhood Vaccination App: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/app/pages/default.aspx
NSW Health – Childcare and Preschool Entry and Immunisation: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/childcare-preschool-entry-and-immunisation.aspx
Australian Government – Childhood Immunisation Schedule: https://www.health.gov.au/childhood-immunisation/immunisation-schedule
Australian Government – Childhood Immunisation Coverage: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/immunisation-data/childhood-immunisation-coverage
