Immunisation teaches your body how to fight diseases. If you come into contact with the disease, your immune system can fight it quickly.
Immunisation protects you from serious illnesses before you are exposed to them. It helps your body build resistance so that if you do get sick, the symptoms are usually milder, and you recover faster than someone who has not been immunised.
Aboriginal people are more at risk of serious illness and hospitalisation from some diseases, especially if you have other medical conditions.
If you do not get immunised against diseases like meningococcal, measles and influenza (flu) you are more likely to get very sick, go to hospital, have ongoing health conditions or sometimes death.
Vaccinations protect you from serious diseases at different stages of life. Following the recommended vaccine schedules is important to ensure you receive the best protection at the right time.
Young children need different vaccines as they age. To enrol in childcare and early education in Western Australia, children must have up to date immunisations, so keeping children up to date is important. .
All babies need immunisations at different ages to stay safe. If your baby misses a vaccine, there is a catch-up plan. The plan ensures your baby gets protected as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor or health worker to learn more.
For more information, visit the WA childhood immunisation schedule website.
In Year 7 and Year 10, students get free vaccines. In Year 7 students receive vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa). In Year 10, students receive the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
If your child misses a school vaccine, they can get it from their doctor, local pharmacy or community health centre. Talk to your doctor, local pharmacists, or health worker to learn more.
Visit the adolescent immunisation schedule website for more details.
Adults may need extra vaccines depending on their situation. Free vaccines are available for eligible groups through the National Immunisation Program and state programs. This includes pregnant women, Aboriginal people, Aboriginal Elders aged from 50 and over, and people with certain medical conditions. For more details, visit the adult immunisation schedule website.
Before becoming pregnant, check that your immunisations are up to date, including the measles vaccine. While pregnant, it is recommended to get vaccinated against influenza (flu), whooping cough (pertussis), RSV and COVID-19. These vaccines protect you and your baby from serious diseases before birth and for the first few months of your baby’s life. You can safely have the influenza, whooping cough, and maternal RSV vaccine in the same visit when you are 28-36 weeks pregnant or you can have them administered across different visits, as recommended by your immunisation provider. For the latest advice, visit the pregnancy immunisation schedule.
Before traveling overseas, remember to check the SmartTraveller website for information on infectious disease risks, and check you are up to date with your vaccinations.
Before vaccines can be used in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) checks they are safe and work well. After the TGA approves a vaccine to be used, they continue to monitor for any issues.
Like other medicines, vaccines can cause minor side effects like:
Most vaccine side effects are mild and go away quickly. If you have severe or long-lasting side effects, it is important to see a doctor or health worker.
Vaccines contain ingredients that help your body build protection, such as:
Each ingredient has a purpose and is tested to make sure it is safe before the vaccine is allowed to be used in Australia.
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
You can listen to short recordings about the importance of immunisation and where to find information in the following languages:
In Western Australia, the term Aboriginal is used in preference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Western Australia. No disrespect is intended to our Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community.
