Immunisation

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines used in Australia go through rigorous testing for safety, quality, and how well they work before they are approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). After approval, safety continues to be closely monitored through national reporting and active safety systems.

Do vaccines actually work?

Yes. Vaccines lower your chance of getting very sick from infections. They can help prevent serious problems like needing hospital care, disability, or death. Because of vaccines, diseases that used to be common (e.g. polio, measles) are now rare in Australia.

If diseases are rare now, why do I still need vaccines?

Diseases are rare because of vaccination. When vaccination rates drop, outbreaks occur. We have seen this with measles and whooping cough in recent years.

What side effects can I expect?

Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Fatigue or headache

Serious side effects are very rare and are carefully monitored.

Can vaccines cause long-term health problems?

Studies have looked carefully at claims that vaccines cause autism, infertility, or long-term illness. The evidence shows these claims are not true.

I’ve heard vaccines were developed too quickly. Is that true?

Some vaccines (such as COVID-19 vaccines) were developed faster than usual because:

• Global funding removed delays
• Large trials ran in parallel
• Existing vaccine technologies were used.

These vaccines are safe and effective and still undergo the same testing, safety checks, and regulatory approval processes as all other vaccines.

What is mRNA and how do mRNA vaccines work?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a molecule in your cells that copies instructions from your DNA to help make proteins that your body needs to function. The mRNA vaccines do not change your DNA.

I’m healthy. Do I really need vaccines?

Yes. Even healthy people can:

• Become seriously ill
• Spread infections to vulnerable people (babies, elderly, immunocompromised)

Vaccination protects both you, your family, and your community.

Can vaccines overload the immune system?

No. Your body handles thousands of exposures daily. Vaccines use only a tiny fraction of what the immune system manages naturally.

I don’t trust pharmaceutical companies. Why should I trust vaccines?

In Australia:

• Vaccines are independently assessed by the TGA
• Recommendations are made by expert advisory groups (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation)
• Safety data is publicly reviewed.

Decisions are based on evidence, not industry preference.

Are vaccines safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Some vaccines (e.g. influenza, pertussis, RSV) are strongly recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and baby.

What if I have a chronic illness?

People with chronic conditions often benefit more from vaccination because infections can be more severe. Your GP/clinician can advise which vaccines are recommended for you.

What about children?

Childhood vaccines protect against serious illnesses at ages when children are most vulnerable. The schedule is carefully designed to provide protection at the safest and most effective times.

Do vaccines cost money?

Many vaccines are free under the NIP and state programs.
Some additional vaccines may have a cost, depending on age, risk factors, and eligibility.

How do I check my vaccination record?

Your immunisation history is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and can be accessed via:
Your Medicare online account through MyGov
Express Plus Medicare mobile app
Calling the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809  

Can I still get vaccinated if I missed some doses?

Yes. Catch-up vaccination is safe and effective. You do not need to restart a course. Your doctor, pharmacist or other immunisation provider can help plan catch-up doses.

“I’m unsure and want more time to think.”

That’s okay. Asking questions is reasonable. Your doctor, pharmacist or other immunisation provider can provide information and support.

“I’ve seen things online that worry me.”

There is a lot of misinformation online. Please discuss those concerns with your doctor, pharmacist, or other immunisation provider. They can provide reliable sources.

Where can I access vaccination?

Your local General Practitioner can provide your vaccinations. Otherwise, please book into one of the dates and times at the vaccination clinics above. Click here to book

Childhood vaccination is a key part of keeping children in New South Wales healthy and protected. Vaccines help protect babies and children from serious illnesses that can cause long‑term health problems or even death. These illnesses are much harder to treat once a child becomes sick, but many can be prevented through vaccination.

NSW Health provides free childhood vaccinations as part of the National Immunisation Program. Vaccines are given at different ages, starting from birth, to protect children as they grow. By vaccinating on time, parents and carers help protect not only their own child, but also other children and vulnerable people in the community.

You can access vaccination through your GP, pharmacist, Aboriginal Medical Service or community vaccination clinics.

Our Child and Family Health team is offering free vaccinations for children up to five years old as per the NSW Immunisation Schedule.

Bookings for all clinics can be made by filling out this form . A nurse will call and confirm booking details.

For more information, call 1800 455 511.

Adolescent school vaccination program

NSW Health and schools work closely together to deliver the adolescent school vaccination program to schools in the South Western Sydney catchment.

In 2026 the following vaccines are offered for free for all students:

• In Year 7: Human Papillomavirus (HPV - Gardasil 9) and Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis (dTpa - Boostrix/Adacel)
• In Year 10: Meningococcal ACWY  (MenACWY - MenQuadfi)

These programs run over 2 years with the opportunity to catch-up any outstanding year 7 and year 10 vaccinations in the following year (year 8 & year 11).

Paper consent forms are available for students whose parents/guardians cannot provide online consent, including for parents/guardians or students who do not have a Medicare card or internet access. Schools will provide paper consent forms to parents/guardians upon request.

Parents/guardians can provide consent online for their child's routine school vaccinations on the online consent portal. For detailed steps on how to provide consent, click here. Translated guides are also available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.

Parents/guardians can withdraw consent at any time by logging in to the online consent portal. Where consent has been given on the physical consent form, they can notify the immunisation team by phone 1300 066 055.

All school vaccinations are uploaded onto the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

You can access vaccination through:

• Your doctor
• Pharmacy
• Aboriginal Health Service
• PHU Community clinic (timings above)

School vaccination program resources:

For schools:

The immunisation team hosted two informative sessions for schools in 2026. To access the recording, please visit the School Vaccination Program Information Session and the PowerPoint presentation.

Principals, school immunisation coordinators or delegates are encouraged to read the NSW Health School Vaccination User Guide for Schools.

For students, parents and guardians:

• NSW Health School Vaccination Program
• Information about school vaccinations and translated resources - is available in 27 languages
• NSW Health: School Vaccination A5 Flyer with a QR code
• NSW Health: School vaccination information for students
• SWSLHD 2026 NSW School Vaccination Program newsletter
• SWSLHD 2026 NSW School Vaccination Program Poster
• SWSLHD school vaccination program presentation for parents 2026 handout
• Getting your HPV & dTpa vaccinations at school - what to expect
• HPV Vaccine for teenagers
• Videos to help prepare your child for the HPV vaccination
• NSW Health Meningococcal ACWY information
• Getting your meningococcal ACWY at school - what to expect.

Maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

A single dose of Abrysvo is recommended for all pregnant women, including those under 18 years of age, to protect their infants. It is advised to administer the vaccine during each pregnancy, starting at 28 weeks of gestation. The vaccine is free for Medicare-eligible patients and can be given alongside other antenatal vaccines, such as those for pertussis and influenza. If a mother gives birth within two weeks of receiving the RSV vaccine, it is recommended that her infant receive nirsevimab, a long-acting RSV-specific monoclonal antibody, for additional protection.

Maternal RSV vaccine resources:

• Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding
• NSW Health: Eligibility for Abrysvo® and nirsevimab (Beyfortus™)
• NSW Health: RSV pregnancy vaccination (Abrysvo) fact sheet - Information for pregnant Aboriginal women
• NSW Health: Maternal RSV vaccination (Abrysvo®) fact sheet
• Abrysvo® Patient Brochure for Pregnant Women.

Infant immunisation with RSV monoclonal antibody BeyfortusTM (nirsevimab)

NSW Health offers free RSV vaccine Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) for:

• Infants up to 6 months of age who not protected by maternal RSV vaccination or those with risk conditions for severe RSV disease
• Children up to 24 months of age with risk conditions for severe RSW disease entering their second or subsequent RSV season

Infant RSV immunisation resources:

• NSW Health: Clinical decision aid for nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) in newborn infants
• NSW Health: Clinical decision aid for nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) in infants and children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease
• NSW Health: Eligibility for Abrysvo® and nirsevimab (Beyfortus™)
• ​NSW Health: RSV immunisation for bubs (Nirsevimab) fact sheet - Information for Aboriginal parents and carers
• NSW Health: Infant RSV immunisation product (nirsevimab) fact sheet - Information for parents and carers.

Cold Chain Management

Vaccines are sensitive and must be protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Cold chain is the process of transporting and storing vaccines within the safe temperature range of +2C to +8C. Notify the Public Health Unit (1300 066 055) if temperature is <+2°C or > +8°C (excludes fluctuations up to +12°C ≤15 mins e.g. vaccine delivery).

All relevant practice staff responsible for vaccine storage and cold chain management are required to complete the NSW Health Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management online training module. This module provides essential knowledge and skills necessary for the effective management of the cold chain associated with vaccine storage.

Cold chain management resources

National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’
National Vaccine Storage Guidelines 'Strive for 5' resources
 Vaccine fridge temperature chart poster
Vaccine storage and cold chain management
Cold Chain Toolkit for Immunisation Providers
Immunisation cooler temperature chart
Cold chain breach management

Ordering and receiving vaccines

Immunisation providers are responsible for maintaining their stock to meet vaccination program requirements.
General practitioners, pharmacists, and aged care providers wishing to access the National Immunisation Program and state-funded vaccines must submit a Vaccine Account Number (VAN) application through the New vaccine ordering Account online portal.

The process involves several steps:

1. Providers complete and submit their VAN application via the online portal.
2. The Public Health Unit will contact the providers to request necessary cold chain confirmation documents.
3. After receiving the required documents, the Public Health Unit will review the application and follow up as needed.
4. Once the Public Health Unit accepts the application, it is forwarded to the New South Wale (NSW) Ministry of Health immunisation team for further review and approval.
5. Upon approval, the account login details will be sent to the email address provided on the application.

After receiving the VAN details, providers can log into their account using their VAN to order vaccines from the NSW Vaccine Centre. Providers are required to ensure that their account details are always accurate and up to date.

Resources for ordering and receiving vaccines:

• New South Wales Vaccine Centre User guide for immunisation providers
• NSW Health: Ordering vaccines
• NSW Health: Receiving vaccines.

Vaccine administration errors

Vaccination errors can happen when preparing, handling, storing, or giving vaccines. These errors may lead to reactions related to immunisation. By identifying and following up on vaccine errors, we can quickly correct any reactions that arise from immunisation errors.

If there is a vaccine administrator error that poses a safety risk to a patient, providers must report it to the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055. The National Adverse Events Following Immunisation Reporting Form must be submitted to the TGA safety monitoring program and the Immunisation Unit, Health Protection NSW at MoH-AEFI@health.nsw.gov.au. 

Adverse event following immunisation

An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) is a notifiable condition. It is defined as "any untoward medical occurrence that follows immunisation. It does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the vaccine".

AEFIs can be reported by filling out the National Adverse Events Following Immunisation Reporting Form or by calling the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

• Australian Immunisation Handbook: Adverse events following immunisation
• Department of Health: Following vaccination - what to expect and what to do
• NSW Health Adverse Event Following Immunisation Control Guideline
• NSW Health Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI)  
• New South Wales Immunisation Specialist Service (NSWISS).

Catch Up Vaccinations (For providers)

An up to date immunisation history is required across NSW for family tax benefits and childcare requirement. Therefore, catch-up vaccination in some circumstances will be required.

The Public Health Unit assists general practices in reviewing their patients' catch-up vaccination schedules. General practices are required to fill out a catch-up worksheet, which must include the contact name of the GP or Practice Nurse, and legible practice telephone number and email. We request that efforts be made to complete the worksheet prior to submission to the Public Health Unit by emailing SWSLHD-LiverpoolPHU-Catchup@health.nsw.gov.au. We will return the completed catch-up schedule within a timeframe of 20 business days.

General practice can use the following resources to help plan a catch-up schedule :

• Catch-up guidelines for individual vaccines for children aged <10 years
• Catch-up schedule for people ≥10 years of age (for vaccines recommended on a population level)
• Catch-up schedule for Haemophilus influenza type B (HIB) vaccination for children <5 years of age
• Catch-up schedule for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for children with any risk condition(s) associated with an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, aged <5 years
• Catch-up schedule for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for children who do not have risk condition(s) associated with an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, aged <5 years
• Catch-up calculator
• Additional resources.
• SWSLHD catch-up vaccination schedule for children under 10 years old
• SWSLHD catch-up vaccination schedule for children aged 10 years and older