Childhood immunisation
During the first few years of life, children need several immunisations to protect them from serious childhood infections.
Without immunisations, babies and young children are at higher risk of serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. These complications can be devastating and may include hospitalisation, pneumonia, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, limb amputation and may even be life-threatening.
Young children need more vaccination doses as their immune systems are still developing and are not as strong as those of older children or adults. This makes them more vulnerable to infections.
Protecting babies and young children as early as possible is important to keep them safe from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.
Childhood immunisation schedule
The table below shows the diseases covered by the WA childhood immunisation schedule, which is funded by the state government and the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
For more information, or to make sure your child receives all the vaccines they are eligible for, speak to your immunisation provider. You can alsoregister your child's immunisation appointment online (external site)or call 1300 749 869, between 8.30 am and 5 pm on weekdays.
It is also recommended that children aged 6 months and older receive an influenza vaccination each year.
Table: Childhood immunisation schedule
| Age |
Diseases covered |
Birth to less than 7 days
|
|
|
6 - 8 weeks
|
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (1 injection)
- Pneumococcal (1 injection)
- Rotavirus (drops in mouth)
|
Aboriginal children and/or
children with specific medical risk conditions
|
|
|
4 months
|
|
| Including immunisations for Aboriginal children and children with specific medical risk conditions |
|
|
6 months
|
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (1 injection)
- Influenza (1 injection)
|
Aboriginal children and/or children with a medical risk condition
|
- Pneumococcal (1 injection)
|
Children with specific medical risk conditions (this includes Aboriginal children with specific medical risk conditions)
|
|
| Babies born from 1/10/25 to 30/09/26 |
|
|
12 months
|
|
Aboriginal children and/or children with a medical risk condition
|
|
Children with specific medical risk conditions
|
- Hepatitis B (1 injection)
|
|
18 months
|
|
Aboriginal children
|
- Hepatitis A (1 injection)
|
<2 years
Aboriginal children only |
|
| Children born on or after 1/10/24 |
|
Children with certain medical risk conditions born from 1/10/24
|
|
|
4 years
|
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio (1 injection)
|
| Aboriginal children
|
- Hepatitis A (1 injection)
- Pneumococcal (1 injection)
|
Children with a medical risk condition
|
- Pneumococcal (additional injections required)
|
Before your child is vaccinated
It is important that you understand the benefits and risks of vaccination before your child receives any vaccine.
At your child’s vaccination appointment, your immunisation provider will explain which vaccines are being given, common or rare side effects that may occur, and how to manage them.
You may find it helpful to review the information below and discuss any questions with your immunisation provider at the appointment.
A mild illness, such as a cold with a low fever, usually does not delay vaccination. However, in some situations, vaccination may be postponed due to certain medical conditions.
Tell your health provider if your child:
- has had a severe reaction to any previous vaccination
- has a severe allergy to anything
- has a history of severe allergy where vaccination is not recommended
- has received a live vaccine in the past month (for example, tuberculosis, measles, yellow fever)
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin or a blood transfusion in the past 3 months
- has a condition that weakens the immune system (for example, leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or is receiving treatment that lowers immunity (for example, steroid medicines such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- lives with someone who has a weakened immune system or is receiving treatment that weakens immunity
- is unwell at the time of vaccination.
Vaccination rates
Western Australia (WA) is committed to delivering cost-effective immunisation programs under the National Immunisation Program.
Through this commitment, WA aims to maintain or improve current immunisation rates to protect the whole community. Immunisation coverage varies across the state – some areas achieve very high rates while others fall well below the national target.
The national target for childhood immunisations in Australia is 95 per cent. Current immunisation coverage for WA can be found here.
Vaccine preventable diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, can cause serious health problems for children and other members of the community.
You can help protect your child by ensuring their vaccinations are up to date.
Aboriginal Childhood Immunisation
WA Health is committed to improving vaccination rates for Aboriginal people.
Data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) (external site) shows that Aboriginal children in Western Australia (WA) are receiving their vaccinations later and have lower overall immunisation rates than non-Aboriginal children. This means they are more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).
To view the Aboriginal Immunisation Schedule click here
There are videos and animations (external site) available to help parents learn more about how vaccination protects their children.
More information about immunisation
Immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect your child from potentially serious diseases.
Visit the below websites for more information about immunisation:
For more WA Health videos visit YouTube (external site).
There are also various videos and animations (external site) on childhood immunisation developed to help you learn more about how vaccination can protect your child.
Immunisation resources in languages other than English
Where to get help
Last reviewed: 17-04-2026
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.