Why immunise?
Immunisation protects people of all ages against serious and harmful infections. Immunisation uses the body’s defence mechanism to build resistance to specific infections.
When many people are vaccinated there is less opportunity for the spread of diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, measles and polio. Even in our community today, when most people are immunised there is still the risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. We are working towards a vaccination rate of 95% of our population. This immunisation rate is recommended to help everyone stay healthy.
Immunise Australia Program
- Understanding Childhood Immunisation
- Immunise Australia Program
- FAQ’s
- Publications & Resources
- Myths and Realities about vaccination
Australian Immunisation Register
What is herd immunity?
Immunisation also plays a role in protecting individuals who are not immunised, through the concept of ‘herd immunity’. Immunisation coverage needs to exceed 90% in order to achieve and maintain the level of herd immunity needed to interrupt the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccinating on time
Vaccinating on time is important. The National Immunisation Program Schedule outlines the vaccines that your child needs and the age at which each vaccine should be given. Late vaccinations provide a window for possible infection and there are some vaccines, such as Rota Virus, must be given within a strict time frame, or cannot be given at all.
Visit the Victorian Immunisation Schedule
VaxOnTime
Get the FREE VaxOnTime app so you can:
- receive reminder notifications leading up to when your child is due for their vaccinations
- search for a local immunisation provider
- call and make an appointment for vaccinations or find out when immunisation sessions are being run by your local council
- add an appointment to your device’s calendar
VaxOnTime has been developed by the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services to help remind parents and carers in Victoria when immunisation for their children is due. This free app is available on iOS, Android and Windows mobile phones. For more information visit the Better Health Channel.
Quick links
For more information about immunisations, visit:
- Immunisation Coalition
- Childhood Immunisation (Better Health Channel)
- The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC)
- Immunisation References (MVEC)
- Vaccination Quiz (MVEC)
- National Centre for Immunisation, research and surveillance
- AIHW Authoritative information and statistics to promote better health and wellbeing
- Health Direct – Pregnancy birth and baby- Immunisation
