Fast facts
- Newborn babies are more vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are still developing
- Mothers can pass some of their own immunity to babies via the placenta when pregnant or through breastfeeding when the baby is born, however this protection is only temporary
- Babies and children are scheduled to receive vaccines at specific timepoints for various reasons such as the likelihood of being exposed to that disease at that age or the age at which the vaccine will be the most effective
- Vaccines can be given by mouth or by injection
Vaccinating babies and children
Vaccines can provide protection against infections that can cause serious illness, long-term disabilities or even death. They can also limit the spread of infection (transmission) to other people.
For vaccines that are given via an injection, the site of injection varies depending on the age or size of the baby or child. Babies under 1 year of age will generally receive their vaccines into the thigh. Children 1 year of age or older will generally receive vaccines into the upper arm.
Depending on the vaccine, multiple doses over time may be needed to build up enough protection against disease, other vaccines only require one dose in a lifetime. Some vaccines provide protection against one disease and some provide protection against several diseases (this is called a combination vaccine).
Babies and children
Special risk groups
Some babies and children may be more vulnerable to infections and are therefore recommended to receive extra vaccines. These groups include:
Babies and children
Getting vaccinated
Vaccines can be provided by your local doctor, maternal and child health centre, Aboriginal health service or dedicated immunisation centres within some hospitals. Immunisation sessions may also be available at local councils.
Always remember to bring along your immunisation records (child health book) and your Medicare card (if you have one) to immunisation appointments.
Providing distraction helps minimise any pain or discomfort associated with getting vaccinated. For babies this might include:
- swaddling and holding the baby securely
- shaking a noisy toy or playing with a toy
- playing music
- offering baby a breastfeed or bottle when the vaccine is being administered.
Distraction ideas for children might include:
- blowing bubbles/bubble machine
- encouraging conversation (talking about sports, movies, upcoming holidays etc)
- watching an iPad or TV show
- using a “find-and-seek” book
- using a buzzy bee or CoolSense device.
Below are some top tips for parents and kids to help make the process go smoothly.
Needle phobia
Needle phobia is quite common. The following strategies can help manage (and, in some cases, overcome) needle phobia.
Simple strategies to assist can include:
- discuss the phobia with your immunisation provider beforehand to plan the immunisation appointment
- not being critical of someone who is scared
- not rushing or attempting to force a child to be immunised
- applying a local anaesthetic cream (available from the chemist) to help numb the site of injection
- using a device such as buzzy bee
- knowing when to refer to a specialist for further help.
Extreme needle phobias may be managed with the help of psychologists and/or hypnotherapy services.
What to expect after vaccination
For the most part, any side effects experienced following vaccination are usually mild and short-lived and can include:
- fever
- pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- drowsiness, irritability or crying.
These symptoms are common and expected following vaccination and generally are not something to worry about. They can usually be managed at home with rest, fluids and over the counter analgesia such as Panadol or Nurofen.
It is safe for people who have experienced these types of side effects to go on and receive future vaccines without the need for additional medical support. More information on the specific side effects for each vaccine can be found here.
Serious side effects such as allergic reactions are very rare.
Potential allergies to immunisations, need to be reported to SAEFVIC in Victoria (this differs in different Australian States) and following this you may be referred to an Immunisation Specialist or Vaccine Allergy Specialist.
Vaccinating babies and children
Everything you need to know
FAQs
Before any vaccine or medication can be given to the population it must go through rigorous testing and extensive clinical trials.
In Australia, all vaccines are then reviewed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA does this by carefully looking at and analysing clinical trials, ingredients, manufacturing processes, international evidence and other factors. Once the TGA provides their approval, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) then provides specific guidance on how the vaccines should be rolled out into the community.
Even once a vaccine has been approved, monitoring by the TGA and ATAGI continues. Any suspected problem with a vaccine is thoroughly investigated. This helps to ensure safe and effective immunisation programs and maintain community confidence in vaccines.
For more information click here.
Your vaccine provider should have given you information about what to expect following vaccination. Most common side effects are mild and are usually able to be managed at home with rest, fluids and over the counter analgesia such as Panadol or Nurofen. Symptoms usually only last a day or two.
If you’re worried, it is important to see a doctor so your child can be assessed and treatment provided if needed. Unexpected side effects should be reported to your local vaccine safety service (in Victoria this is SAEFVIC) for investigation and follow up.
Flu vaccines are strongly encouraged for anyone aged 6 months and over. Children under 5 years of age and who have specific medical conditions are at greatest risk of experiencing severe flu and can receive vaccines for free.
Children under 9 years of age should receive 2 doses of a flu vaccine in the first year they are receiving the vaccine to give them the most effective protection.
For more information click here.
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in Australia offering protection against different strains of meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccines are routinely offered on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for babies and adolescents, as well as some special risk groups. Funded Meningococcal B vaccines are available for some special risk groups only. They are still available for purchase for anyone wishing to be protected who doesn’t fit the criteria for funded doses.
MVEC strongly encourages the immunisation of anyone wanting to be protected against meningococcal disease.
For more information click here.
Two doses of chicken pox (varicella) vaccines are recommended for children to increase the protection against developing disease. One dose is funded on the immunisation schedule and given at 18 months of age in a combination vaccine with measles-mumps-rubella. A second dose is available for purchase and can be given with a minimum interval of at least 4 weeks between doses.
For more information click here.
Most people with allergies (including egg allergy/anaphylaxis) can safely receive vaccines without the need for extra medical supervision or treatment. Following any vaccine, it is important to remain in the clinic or vaccination venue for 15 minutes to make sure that your child does not experience any symptoms requiring immediate assistance from your immunisation provider.
A true vaccine allergy is extremely rare and can only be diagnosed by vaccine allergy specialist.
For more information click here.
Eczema is a common condition affecting up to 40% of babies and children worldwide. It often appears in the first year of life with many children outgrowing the condition by 5 years of age.
There is no evidence to suggest that vaccines cause eczema however vaccines are known to potentially cause a flare in eczema symptoms. Parents of children with eczema are encouraged to treat any eczema symptoms that may occur with their recommended eczema management plan (moisturisers, steroid creams, barrier creams etc).
Experiencing a flare in eczema following vaccination does not mean that future vaccines should be avoided.
For more information click here.
Yes! You do not need to wait any amount of time between receiving a vaccine and going swimming.
No, it is fine to be around other people after you have received vaccines.
The only caution with this would be after receiving a live vaccine (eg: rotavirus or chickenpox). Anyone with immune suppression (a weakened immune system) should perform very careful handwashing if they come into contact with soiled nappies (if a child has received a rotavirus vaccine) or any blisters that have developed (in children who have received chickenpox vaccines).
Catching up with any missed vaccines is still recommended because babies and children will still be vulnerable to those diseases. It is important to have a chat to your immunisation provider and work out the best plan on how to proceed.
Children who are overdue for their vaccines may be impacted by the no jab no play or no jab no pay legislation.
BCG is a vaccine that provides protection against serious disease caused by tuberculosis. It is not routinely given to all Australian children but is recommended for some groups, in particular children less that 5 years of age travelling to countries with widespread tuberculosis disease.
For a list of specialist clinics providing BCG vaccination to children please click here.
In Victoria, all children must be up to date with the recommended vaccines in order to be able to enrol in childcare or early learning centres (including kindergarten).
For more information, click here.
Babies and children
