Immunisation

Immunisation is effective and can prevent deaths and reduce disease in our communities

Mother and child wearing face masks while washing their hands with sanitiser

There are many health determinants that can protect your good health or pose a risk to it. Immunisation is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect people from harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. It uses vaccines either by needle or mouth to boost the body’s immune system to build resistance to specific injections.

The World Health Organization considers immunisation to be the most effective medical intervention we have available to prevent deaths and reduce disease in our communities. It provides protection from a specific infectious disease and its immediate complications. It can also provide protection against long-term complications from infections such as human papilloma virus which can lead to cancers, and infection from the chickenpox virus, which can result in shingles later in life. When people get immunised, they not only protect themselves but their community. When there are enough people who are immunised (around 95 per cent) it is called herd immunity.

PHNs play a role in helping local child immunsation rates to reach national targets and assist with the coordination of information and resources for primary healthcare providers and vulnerable communities, including for COVID-19, influenza (flu), Japanese Encephalitis Virus and Mpox.

National Immunisation Program

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides routine vaccinations free to eligible people. The NIP schedule lists what immunisations should be given at specific times throughout a person’s life from birth through to adulthood, to protect against: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), rotavirus, meningococcal ACWY, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza and shingles.

The National Immunisation Information Line provides general advice and information about immunisation and is available by calling 1800 671 811 Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm. For medical or clinical advice, speak to your GP.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety. Mild side effects such as a sore arm or fever are normal and usually go away quickly. Serious side effects are usually rare.

Who should get immunised?

Everyone – children, adults and the elderly – should follow the recommended vaccination schedule on the national immunisation program. Special groups of people like pregnant women or people with specific medical conditions may need specific vaccines.

Where to get immunised

Vaccination is available through general practice clinics, pharmacies, councils, schools, health centres and sometimes through outreach or mobile clinics. Find a health service here.

How to access your vaccination history

Speak to your healthcare provider to check if you are up to date with your vaccinations. You can also access your immunisation history through How to get immunisation history statements – Australian Immunisation Register – Services Australia or by calling the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.

For more information


Last Update: October 22nd, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.