Immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your family and the community against serious disease. Vaccines are received by many millions of people in Australia and billions worldwide. They work by stimulating the body’s immune system to protect against subsequent infection by the virus or bacteria that causes the disease.
Vaccines have eliminated serious diseases such as polio and smallpox, however it is important to keep vaccination rates up to make sure the diseases don’t return and protect people who can’t be vaccinated.
The Australian Government National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to eligible people, including young children, older Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and others at greater risk of serious harm from vaccine-preventable diseases (such as pregnant women).
Below are some of the diseases that vaccines can protect against.
