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Baby and child vaccinations

Babies and children should be immunised on time to ensure best protection against vaccine preventable diseases.

Under the National Immunisation Program, your child should be vaccinated at specific ages. This is called the ACT Immunisation schedule. It provides details of when vaccines are due.

Find out more about vaccinations before your child starts school or childcare.

If your child is not vaccinated against a vaccine preventable disease and they are exposed to the disease at school or their childcare,  they may need to remain at home until advised they can return.

There are some risk factors and medical conditions which are funded for additional vaccines. Check the list of extra vaccines for special risk groups.

If you believe your child may need extra vaccines, talk to your GP for more information.

Where to get your child vaccinated

Babies and children can have their vaccinations at:

Your child must have a parent or guardian with them at an Early Childhood Immunisation Clinic.

If a carer other than the parent or guardian is with the child for the appointment, written consent from the parent or guardian and a phone call at the time of appointment will be needed.

Please bring your child’s Personal Health Record (blue book in ACT) with you to record all vaccines your child receives.

Your child's vaccine record

It is important to know if your child’s vaccines are up to date.

In Australia, all vaccines are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

You can access a copy of your child’s register at the:

Find out how to use the MyGov site on the Department of Human Services website.

Vaccines are also recorded in the Immunisation Record which can be found in your child’s Personal Health Record (blue book).

If you have lost the Personal Health Record (blue book) visit the Canberra Health Services Early Childhood Immunisation webpage to download a new copy.

For information and reminders on your child’s vaccination schedule you can download the Save the Date to Vaccinate app.

Find out more on the NSW Government website.

Caring for your child after vaccination

Like all medications, there can be some reactions to vaccines.

The most common reactions are:

  • pain, redness and swelling at the injection site for 1 to 2 days and possibly a hard lump at the injection site for a few weeks
  • mild fever that doesn’t last long.
  • generally unsettled, crying or sleepy.

What you can do from home:

  • Offer more breastfeeds or give extra water (if not breastfeeding).
  • Give paracetamol for pain or fever.
  • If the child has a fever, dress them in light clothing.
  • The rotavirus vaccine can be shed in your baby's poo so ensure to wash your hands with soap and water after changing dirty nappies for the next week to prevent transmission of the virus to people with weakened immune systems.

Get medical help if:

  • paracetamol doesn’t help pain or fever
  • reactions are not going away
  • reactions are getting worse
  • you are concerned.

Reactions after vaccines

Find out more about common side effects after vaccination.

If your child was vaccinated overseas

Children who have been vaccinated overseas may need extra vaccines to meet the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Check with your GP or immunisation provider for more information.

Transcribing vaccine records

Many GPs in the ACT can provide services to transcribe your child’s overseas immunisation history and provide a catch-up vaccine schedule if needed.

They can also advise you on vaccines your child needs to meet the Australian National Immunisation Program schedule.

Contact your GP for more information. Use find a health service If you need help with finding a GP.

Updating your child's details with Medicare

To update your child’s details with Medicare:

  • call Medicare on 132 011
  • visit your local Medicare Service Centre.

Information for health professionals

Health and Community Services directorate provides education and support for GP practices to complete transcription services for their patients. Contact the Health and Community Service Directorate’s Public Health Response Unit by emailing phru@act.gov.au.