The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines according to a national schedule. The key reference is the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Childhood highlights:
- Birth: hepatitis B.
- 2, 4, 6 months: combined DTPa-hepB-IPV-Hib, pneumococcal conjugate; rotavirus at 2 and 4 months.
- 12 months: MMR, meningococcal ACWY, pneumococcal.
- 18 months: MMRV, DTPa, Hib.
- 4 years: DTPa-IPV.
- School: HPV and dTpa in Year 7, meningococcal ACWY in Year 10.
Differences from India:
- BCG is not routine; it is only for specific high-risk children.
- Oral polio is not used; IPV only.
All vaccines are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Being up to date is linked to family payments ("No Jab, No Pay") and, in several states, childcare enrolment.
For children arriving from overseas, check records and follow the catch-up guidance; do not assume Indian records match the Australian schedule.