To develop good immune protection against a range of serious diseases there is a series of immunisations (including boosters) that must be given over time. Click here to create your own personal vaccination calendar for your child. There is a standardised course of immunisations for your child, including booster shots. It is important that your child has their full course, including boosters later on, to ensure continuing strong protection. It is important these are given on time as delaying vaccinations leaves children unnecessarily vulnerable to infection.
1. Babies born from 1st January 2008 are eligible for pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7).
Vaccine Key: DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis* - child; dTap: diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis - adolescent/adult; HepB: hepatitis B; Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b; HPV human papillomavirus; IPV: Inactivated polio vaccine; MMR: measles, mumps, rubella; PCV7: pneumococcal; Td: tetanus, diphtheria – adult. *Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough. Note: These childhood vaccines are prescription medicines and provided free of charge by your healthcare professional.
Additional vaccines for special groups- Children who are born to mothers who carry the hepatitis B virus need an extra hepatitis B vaccination at birth
- Children who have chronic health problems may be eligible for influenza vaccine yearly
- Children who come from countries with high rates of tuberculosis, and those who have tuberculosis within their families may be eligible for the BCG vaccine at birth
- Children with a splenectomy or high risk of invasive pneumococcal may be eligable for additional vaccines
- Routine MeNZB™ immunisation has stopped and most babies will no longer be offered this vaccine. Babies under 5 years who have started MeNZB™ before 1st June 2008 will be able to complete the course. The vaccine does continue to be available and it is recommended for some high risk individuals
- An HPV catch-up programme is offered for girls and young women born from 1st January 1990
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