Children's Health

Routine Childhood Immunisations

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds vaccines to be given at specific ages or in certain circumstances.  Advice and what to know about the vaccines:

Other Recommended Immunisations

Not all recommended vaccines are funded by the NIP. 

Bexsero - information sheet

Bexsero is a vaccine for Meningococcal group B bacteria. Meningococcal disease can be caused by any strain of the meningococcal bacteria. Although rare, with about 700-800 cases per year of meningococcal in Australia, the mortality rate is 5-10%, and permanent complications occur in 10-30% of survivors. The two age groups that have higher incidence of this disease are children <2 years of age, and adolescents 15-19 years of age. 

Vaccination is recommended for:

Bexsero is free under the NIP for:

Although not free for other groups, you can get it through a prescription from your GP. The price is between $110-$120 per dose. Immunisation can be started as early as 6 weeks of age. Two doses are given 8 weeks apart, and depending on your child's age, a booster may be required later. 

Due to fever being a common reaction following Bexsero, it is recommended that paracetamol is given 30 minutes before, or soon after, immunisation for children < 2 years of age. Another 2 doses of paracetamol is given after the vaccination - at 6 hours, and 12 hours from the first dose (total 3 doses of paracetamol). 

There is a vaccine for meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y funded by the NIP at 12 months of age and in Year 10; it's called Nimenrix. 


Chickenpox Vaccine

Under the NIP, the chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine) is given at 18 months of age. A 2nd dose of the chickenpox vaccine is recommended ≥4 weeks after the first dose, however it is not funded by the NIP. Two doses provides more protection and minimises the chance of breakthrough chickenpox infection. You can get a prescription from your GP to get the second dose - it costs around $55. 


Influenza Vaccine

Every year, the NIP funds the influenza vaccination for vulnerable groups:

Children < 9 years of age who are having the influenza vaccine for the first time, need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. This is to ensure a strong immune response. 

Developmental Concerns

Children develop along predictable pathways, reaching developmental milestones by certain ages. This can vary between child to child, however if they have any of the red flags in the following information sheet, you should see your GP - Red Flags Early Identification Guide 

NDIS

Early Childhood Approach 

From the NDIS website: 

"Our early childhood approach is how we support children younger than 9 and their families. The early childhood approach helps children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access the right support when they need it. Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support through the early childhood approach where there are concerns about their development."

The early childhood approach is administered by your local Early Childhood Partner. The Early Childhood Partner works with you and your child to determine what support or information is needed, and they connect you to these services if needed. 

Early Childhood Partner locations:

Early Childhood Partner contact details:

For up to date contact information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations 

NDIS for children 9yo or older

Children who are 9 and older are supported by NDIS local area coordination partners.

Local Area Coordinator Partner locations:

Early Childhood Partner contact details: