Childhood Immunisations
in Biggera Waters, Gold Coast
Free Vaccinations On The National Immunisation Program
Childhood vaccination is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your child, and in Australia the vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free. Our Biggera Waters GPs and nurses give them from six weeks of age right through to the teenage boosters.
Keeping to the immunisation schedule matters because each dose is timed to protect your child when they are most at risk. If you have fallen behind, that is very common and easy to fix. A catch-up schedule can be arranged at any age, and your child can still receive every vaccine they have missed.
We record every dose to the Australian Immunisation Register on the day, which is what Centrelink checks for Family Tax Benefit and what childcare centres and schools ask to see. Book your child’s vaccination or call 07 5222 7117. We are open 7 days with free parking at Harbour Town Premium Outlets.
Childhood Immunisation Schedule By Age
This is the routine schedule for Queensland children under the National Immunisation Program. Every vaccine listed is free for eligible children. Bring your child’s blue book or check the app so we can see what has already been given.
| Age | Vaccines Due |
|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B, given in hospital or shortly after birth. |
| 6 weeks | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus. |
| 4 months | The 6 week vaccines repeated, building your baby's protection. |
| 6 months | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Hib. Annual flu vaccine also starts from 6 months. |
| 12 months | Measles, mumps and rubella, meningococcal ACWY and pneumococcal. |
| 18 months | Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, plus diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and Hib. |
| 4 years | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio, before starting school. |
| Year 7 (about 12 to 13) | HPV vaccine and a diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough booster, usually through the school program. |
| Year 10 (about 14 to 16) | Meningococcal ACWY booster. |
Extra vaccines are funded for some children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, babies born prematurely and those with certain medical conditions. Ask your GP what applies to your child. Schedules are updated from time to time, so check health.gov.au or with us for the current version.
What Happens At Your Child's Vaccination Visit
Most visits take about 15 minutes, plus the wait afterwards. Knowing what to expect makes it easier for parents as much as for children.
Before You Come
Feed your baby beforehand and dress your child in clothing that makes arms and thighs easy to reach. Bring the blue book and your Medicare card.
During The Appointment
Hold your child on your lap, cuddled close. Babies settle fastest with a feed or dummy straight afterwards, and older children do better if you stay calm and matter of fact.
Straight After
We ask you to wait 15 minutes in the clinic. Serious reactions are very rare, but staying means help is right there if needed.
At Home
A mild fever, a sore arm or being unsettled for a day or two is normal. Extra fluids and cuddles usually do the trick.
Side Effects: What Is Normal And What Is Not
Most children have no reaction at all, or a mild one that settles quickly. Serious reactions are very rare, and staff are trained to manage them.
Common And Expected
- Redness, swelling or soreness where the needle went in
- A mild fever for a day or so
- Being unsettled, drowsy or off their food
- A mild rash about a week after the measles vaccine
Call 000 Or Seek Help Now If
- Difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat
- A fever over 40 degrees, or a fever that will not settle
- A seizure or convulsion
- Floppiness, or being very hard to wake
- Crying that does not stop for more than 3 hours
For anything that worries you but is not an emergency, call us on 07 5222 7117 during opening hours, or 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84 any time.
Behind On Vaccines? Catch-Up Is Free
Plenty of families fall behind, whether through illness, moving house, travel or simply losing track. It is never too late and there is no judgement here.
Free catch-up vaccines are available for all children and young people under 20 in Australia, including those who have recently arrived in the country. Your GP will work out exactly which doses are missing and set out a catch-up schedule.
Being up to date also matters for No Jab No Pay, which links Family Tax Benefit Part A and childcare subsidy to your child’s immunisation status, and for No Jab No Play rules at childcare centres in Queensland.
What We Can Do
- Free catch-up vaccines for anyone under 20
- A schedule spaced to get your child protected as quickly as is safe
- Recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register the same day
- Statements for childcare, school and Centrelink
- Vaccines for children arriving from overseas
More For Parents
Practical guides written by our GPs.
Immunisation Questions From Parents
The things parents ask our Biggera Waters GPs most often.
Are childhood immunisations free in Australia?
Yes. Every vaccine on the National Immunisation Program schedule is free for eligible children, including catch-up doses for anyone under 20. A standard consultation fee does not apply for eligible Medicare card holders at our bulk billing practice.
What if my child has missed some vaccines?
Catch-up is free and straightforward at any age under 20. Bring whatever records you have and your GP will work out which doses are missing and plan a catch-up schedule. Falling behind is very common, especially after illness, travel or moving house.
Can my child be vaccinated if they have a cold?
Usually yes. A mild illness such as a runny nose or a slight cough is not a reason to delay. If your child has a fever over 38.5 degrees or is genuinely unwell, we will ask you to rebook. Ring us if you are unsure rather than missing the appointment.
How do I get an immunisation history statement?
Every dose we give is recorded to the Australian Immunisation Register the same day. You can download the statement yourself through your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app, and it is what childcare, schools and Centrelink ask for.
What is No Jab No Pay?
It links Family Tax Benefit Part A supplement and childcare subsidy to your child being up to date with vaccinations. Children on an approved catch-up schedule still meet the requirement, which is another reason to start one if you have fallen behind.
Does my child need a flu vaccine as well?
The annual flu vaccine is recommended from 6 months of age and is free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Children under 9 having it for the first time need two doses about a month apart. Read why the flu vaccine matters every year.
Can vaccines be given early or late?
Vaccines should not be given earlier than the scheduled age, because the timing is what makes them work well. Slightly late is not a problem and you do not have to start again. Your GP will simply pick up where the schedule left off.
Do you vaccinate teenagers?
Yes. The Year 7 HPV and whooping cough vaccines and the Year 10 meningococcal booster are usually given through the school program, but we can give them here if your teenager missed the school day or is not enrolled in a Queensland school.
Book Your Child's Immunisation
Open 7 days at Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Biggera Waters, with free parking right outside. Bring the blue book and your Medicare card.