Australia's National Immunisation Program: an overview

0–12 months · Health · Reviewed 20 June 2026 · All articles

Note: Cubby does not currently track the NIP schedule in-app. Use the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) or immunise.health.gov.au to record and view your baby's vaccinations.

Australia's National Immunisation Program (NIP) is a government-funded schedule of vaccines recommended for babies, children, adolescents, and specific adult populations. For parents of babies aged birth to 12 months, the NIP sets out a clear timeline of vaccines that protect against some of the most serious infectious diseases in early childhood. Understanding what is on the schedule, when each vaccine is due, and why it matters can help you feel prepared and confident at each appointment.

This article provides a plain-language overview of the NIP for the first year of life, based on information from immunise.health.gov.au. It is for general information only. Your GP or immunisation provider is always the best person to answer questions specific to your baby.

What is the National Immunisation Program?

The NIP is coordinated by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Vaccines on the schedule are provided free of charge to all eligible people, including babies born in Australia and those who hold an eligible visa. The schedule is reviewed regularly by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which recommends changes based on the latest clinical evidence.

The primary goal of the program is to protect individuals from vaccine-preventable diseases and to maintain high vaccination rates across the community. When enough people are vaccinated, it creates what is often called herd immunity or community protection. This indirect protection is especially important for very young babies who are too young for certain vaccines, or for people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Birth: hepatitis B

The first vaccine in the NIP schedule is given at birth, ideally within 24 hours of delivery. This is the hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Babies who contract it during birth from an infected mother are at high risk of developing chronic infection, which can lead to serious liver disease later in life.

The birth dose is typically given in hospital before discharge. If a mother is known to have hepatitis B, her baby will also receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) at the same time, giving immediate passive protection while the vaccine builds active immunity.

2 months: the busiest appointment

The appointment at 2 months is the most vaccine-dense visit on the NIP calendar. Babies receive protection against several diseases in one sitting. The vaccines given at this visit include:

It is completely normal for babies to be unsettled or feverish after this visit. Paracetamol can help manage discomfort. Check with your GP for appropriate dosing for your baby's age and weight. Meningococcal B vaccine in particular is associated with a higher rate of fever when given alongside other vaccines, so your GP may recommend prophylactic paracetamol before or immediately after injection.

4 months: continuing the course

At 4 months, the schedule continues with a second dose of the combination vaccine (hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, and polio), a second dose of pneumococcal vaccine, a second oral dose of rotavirus vaccine, and a second dose of meningococcal B vaccine.

Multiple doses are needed because the immune system in early infancy is still maturing. Each dose builds on the last, reinforcing the antibody response and extending protection. Missing or significantly delaying a dose can leave a gap in protection at a time when babies are most vulnerable.

6 months: hepatitis B booster and first flu vaccine

At 6 months, babies receive a third dose of the combination vaccine. For most healthy term babies, this completes the primary hepatitis B course. Depending on the brand used, this visit may also include additional doses of other components.

From 6 months onward, influenza vaccine is also recommended annually for all children under 5 years under the NIP (eligibility and funding can vary by state and territory). Flu can cause serious illness in infants, and annual vaccination is the best way to keep protection current as flu strains change each year.

12 months: MMR and meningococcal ACWY

At 12 months, babies receive:

The Australian Immunisation Register

Every vaccine given to your child under the NIP is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), a national database managed by Services Australia. You can view your child's immunisation history statement through My Health Record or by calling Services Australia. The AIR record is used to verify vaccination status for childcare enrolment, family payments, and school entry requirements in most states and territories.

If your child misses a dose or you are unsure whether a vaccine was recorded, contact your GP or immunisation provider. Records can be updated and doses can be caught up on a tailored schedule.

What if a vaccine is missed or delayed?

Life gets busy. Illness, appointments that have to be rescheduled, or moving between states can all result in a vaccine being given late. Australia has a national catch-up schedule for this situation. In most cases, the course can be completed without restarting from the beginning. Your GP can review what is needed and create a plan based on your child's age and what has already been given.

If you have recently arrived in Australia and are unsure of your child's vaccination history, bring any records you have to a GP. Vaccines can be given overseas under a different brand name or schedule. Your doctor can check what is needed to align with the NIP and ensure your child has full protection.

Vaccine safety in Australia

All vaccines on the NIP have been assessed for safety and efficacy by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) before being approved for use in Australia. Post-market surveillance continues after approval to monitor for rare adverse events. The NIP also operates an adverse events reporting system so that any unexpected reactions can be tracked and investigated.

Common reactions such as redness at the injection site, mild fever, and irritability are normal signs that the immune system is responding. Serious adverse events are rare. The risk of serious disease from the infections the vaccines prevent is significantly higher than the risk of a serious reaction to the vaccine itself.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NIP free for babies?

Yes. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are provided free of charge to eligible individuals, including all babies born in Australia or who hold an eligible visa.

Where can babies receive NIP vaccines?

Most NIP vaccines for babies are given by a GP or a local council immunisation clinic. Some pharmacies also provide selected vaccines. Your child health nurse can help you find a local service.

What happens if a vaccine is given late?

If a dose is missed or delayed, it can usually be caught up. There is a schedule for catching up missed vaccines. Talk to your GP or immunisation provider who can advise on the appropriate timing.

Does Cubby track the NIP schedule in the app?

Cubby does not currently track the NIP schedule in-app. Use the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) or immunise.health.gov.au to keep a record of your baby's vaccinations.

Track feeds, sleep, nappies, and growth all in one place. Cubby is the calm baby logbook built for tired parents. Try it free.

Trusted sources