National Immunisation Program Schedule including Flu Program

We provide the following free vaccinations for children as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule

Flu Program

Influenza (also called flu) is a very contagious infection of the airways. It affects people of all ages but is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.  It can require hospitalisation and can cause death.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your family from serious disease caused by influenza.

Influenza vaccines are given each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus.

Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over. 

The influenza vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program for:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
  • Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
  • People aged 65 years or over
  • People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease

National Immunisation Schedule

Infants and children

Age 

Diseases 

Birth 

  • Hepatitis B (usually offered in hospital) 

2 months 

(can be given from 6 weeks of age) 

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) 

  • Rotavirus 

  • Pneumococcal 

  • Optional Paid Meningococcal B 

4 months 

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) 

  • Rotavirus

  • Pneumococcal 

  • Optional paid Meningococcal B 

6 months 

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) 

  • Optional paid Meningococcal B 

6 months to <5 years 

(annually) 

  • Influenza 

12 months 

  • Meningococcal ACWY 

  • Measles, mumps, rubella 

  • Pneumococcal 

  • Optional paid Meningococcal B /Paid Chicken Pox

18 months 

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) 

  • Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) 

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) 

4 years 

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio 

Adolescent Vaccinations

Age 

Diseases 

12–13 years 

(Year 7 or age equivalent)          

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)                                                                 

14–16 years 

(Year 10 or age equivalent) 

  • Meningococcal ACWY 

Adults

Age 

Diseases 

65 years and over                     

  • Influenza (annually)                                                                                                 

Pregnant women 

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) 

  • Influenza