Infant Vaccination: Essential Baby Vaccination Information for Parents

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and emotional time. Along with cuddles, sleepless nights, and countless firsts, there is also a long list of health responsibilities that can be daunting! Infant vaccinations can be one of those daunting areas for parents. It is very normal to have questions or even a few worries about infant vaccines. In fact, many parents do. This article will guide you through infant immunisations, highlighting expert advice alongside practical tips like how childhood immunisation works and what you can expect at each appointment. The information in this article is general in nature and should not replace medical advice from your own doctor.  
 

Infant vaccination involves giving babies a series of vaccines, usually by injection or oral drops, to protect them from serious infectious diseases. As babies’ immune systems are still developing, they can be at increased risk of severe illness from certain infections. This is why vaccinations are administered early in life, often within weeks after birth. This helps to stimulate the development of their defence system against each of these diseases.

How do childhood vaccinations work?

Vaccines contain either killed or weakened forms of germs (like bacteria or viruses) or small parts of them, such as proteins. These components individually are harmless and do not cause disease, but when administered are enough to stimulate your baby’s immune system to respond. When a vaccine is given, your baby’s immune system learns to recognise these germs if they encounter them again in the future by creating antibodies (or soldier cells). This process builds long-term immunity, so if your child is exposed to the real disease later, the antibodies within the immune system can respond quickly and protect your child by preventing the disease from overwhelming them.

Diseases protected against as part of the Australian infant immunisation schedule include:

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (Whooping cough)
• Polio
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Rotavirus
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Meningococcal disease
• Influenza (flu, from 6 months)

These diseases can all cause significant illness and even potentially death in infants, but vaccination has significantly reduced their impact on Australian children.

Benefits of vaccinating infants

Vaccinating your baby helps provide multiple, long-term benefits. Some of the most important include:

• Building strong immunity early when babies are most vulnerable.
• Building long term immunity to protect again vaccine-preventable diseases into childhood and adulthood.
• Protecting other children and the community by reducing the spread of infection (herd immunity).
• Helping protect those who can’t be vaccinated, such as newborns and immunocompromised individuals.

Some parents hesitate to vaccinate their babies because of concerns around safety and effectiveness. For example, a common question is whether  babies’ immune systems are too fragile to receive several vaccines at the same time as it may overwhelm their immune system. In fact, vaccines only contain a small number of antigens in comparison to what your baby naturally encounters every day from their surrounding environment when eating, drinking and playing. Vaccines help build the immune system, they  do not deplete it. When  vaccines are developed, rigorous testing ensures that any addition to an existing schedule has no impact on the safety profile, yet still generates an appropriate immune response to develop antibodies. For decades, Australian babies have been given several vaccines at once as part of the childhood immunisation schedule and there are decades of safety data supporting this approach.

Another myth is that vaccines are rushed through the development process or are unsafe. Whilst no medication or therapeutic can be labelled 100% safe, infant vaccines have undergone years of rigorous testing and must meet strict safety and effectiveness standards before approval. They are also continuously monitored by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to ensure they remain safe for use.

For reliable information and reassurance, including specific questions on vaccine safety or about specific vaccines, you can visit the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability And Aging or the World Health Organization vaccine safety pages, as well as other resources explaining this in depth

Vaccination schedule for infants

In Australia, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccinations for eligible babies at specific timepoints to ensure they receive the optimal protection at the right age. Continual expert review, assessment and evaluation to ensure this is the most appropriate schedule for Australian babies is undertaken on an ongoing basis. By keeping to this schedule, it maximises the effectiveness of vaccines and minimises the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Below is a breakdown of the main vaccination visits from 6 weeks to 2 years old.

6 week immunisation for infants

At 6 weeks (or 2 months), your baby will typically receive vaccines against these diseases:

• Hepatitis B – Protects against liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus.
• DTPa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) – A combined vaccine for these three serious bacterial diseases.
• Polio (IPV) – Protects against poliomyelitis, a paralysing viral disease which was common in the early 1900s.
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – Protects against serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis caused by Hib.
• Pneumococcal (PCV20) – Protects against pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, sepsis and ear infections.
• Rotavirus (oral) – Protects against severe diarrhoea caused by rotavirus.
• Meningococcal B – Some states offer free immunisation for babies to protect against the most common strain of meningitis in Australia.

4 month immunisation for infants

At 4 months (or at least 2 months after the initial immunisations), your baby usually receives their second doses of the identical vaccines given at 6 weeks:

• DTPa
• Polio (IPV)
• Hib
• PCV20
• Rotavirus (oral)
• Meningococcal B - fully subsidised in some states

6 month vaccinations for infants

At 6 months, vaccinations your baby will receive include:

• Third doses of DTPa, Polio (IPV), and Hepatitis B.
• Babies can also be offered their first dose of influenza vaccine (with a second dose again 4 weeks later).

Why do babies need three doses of some vaccines?
Multiple doses for some vaccines are needed to ensure that the body is “reminded” for the immune system to learn to fight an infection. Additional or booster doses are administered for vaccine-preventable diseases such as Hepatitis B or Pertussis to allow the baby’s body to effectively build and strengthen their immunity to be effective and that the protection develop is able to last for an extended period of time (often years or lifelong).

There may seem to be many vaccines administered within the first 6 months of life compared to the second 6 months of life. One of the key reasons is that it  boosts your baby’s own developing immunity just as maternal antibodies for some of these diseases wear off after around 6 months.

12 month vaccinations for infants

At 12 months, your baby will receive:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) – Protects against these viral infections that can cause rash, fever, and serious long-term complications.
• Meningococcal ACWY – Protects against four strains of meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.
• Meningococcal B – fully subsidised in some states .
• Pneumococcal – Maintains protection against pneumococcal disease.

18 month immunisation for infants

At 18 months, immunisations your baby will receive include:

• Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) – Combines protection against MMR plus Varicella (chickenpox).
• DTPa (booster) – Top-up dose to extend protection.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (booster).

2 year immunisation for infants

By their second birthday, most children will have completed their infant schedule and be well protected against many vaccine-preventable diseases. The next major set of vaccines usually occurs at 4 years old.

Following the Australian Immunisation Schedule is important for all families. You can access your child’s immunisation history through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) using your Medicare online account or the Express Plus Medicare app. You many also elect to use a digital baby health tracker to record this information, or a paper record within your child health book.

Remember that keeping as close to this schedule as possible helps ensure maximum protection at the right time for your child. If you’re unsure about what vaccines are due, ask your GP or child’s paediatrician for advice.

Unvaccinated children are at much higher risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and may also need to be excluded from childcare during certain disease outbreaks. Some government related benefits and childcare enrolments also require up-to-date vaccinations as per the NIP.

Extra infant immunisations

Some babies may need extra vaccines above and beyond the routine National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule in order to give them the strongest possible protection. These additional childhood immunisations are tailored to individual risk factors, and usually provided free under the NIP if eligible.

Which babies might need extra vaccines?

• Babies born prematurely or with certain medical conditions (such as chronic lung disease of prematurity or congenital heart disease).
• Babies who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
• Babies who will be travelling to countries with different disease risks.
• Babies who live with someone who is medically vulnerable (such as undergoing cancer treatment or on immunosuppressive medication).

These additional vaccines may include:

• Extra doses of pneumococcal or influenza vaccines.
• Hepatitis A vaccine (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in certain areas).
• BCG vaccine (against Tuberculosis, for babies travelling to high-risk countries).
• Additional dose of Hepatitis B vaccination.

Speak to your GP, paediatrician, or maternal child health nurse to check if your baby qualifies for any extra vaccines and to plan a tailored schedule if needed.

What to expect at a baby vaccination appointment

Knowing what to expect when taking your baby for a vaccination can help you and your baby feel calmer and more confident.

Immunisation visits can usually be scheduled with a variety of providers including GPs, local immunisation health clinics, maternal child health nurses and community and Aboriginal health services and centres.

A typical infant vaccination visit includes:

1. A nurse or doctor will review your baby’s health and immunisation history.
2. They will explain which vaccines are due and what they protect against.
3. They will go through a pre-vaccination checklist to ensure it is safe to proceed with immunisation, as well as to ensure the right vaccinations have been prescribed.
4. Your baby will be given the vaccines, usually as quick injections in the thighs (and sometimes oral drops).
5. You’ll be asked to stay in a monitored area for about 15 minutes after the vaccines have been administered in order to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions.

Do baby vaccinations hurt my child?

The injection may cause brief discomfort or crying, which usually stops quickly. You can help by holding your baby close in the “cuddle position” during the injection.

Here are some things you can do to help soothe your baby:

• Breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby during or immediately after immunisations are administered.
• Offer a dummy, pacifier or soft toy to help soothe them.
• Cuddle, rock, or talk softly to your baby for comfort.
• For specific immunisations such as Meningococcal B, administered pain and fever relief (Paracetamol) 30mins prior to the vaccination is recommended.

Common, mild side effects from childhood vaccinations include:

• Redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site.
• Mild fever or irritability.
• Sleepiness or decreased appetite for a short time.

These are signs your baby’s immune system is responding to the vaccination. They usually settle within 1–2 days. Serious reactions are very rare and medical advice should be sought if you are concerned. Contact your doctor if your baby has a high fever, persistent crying, or any symptoms you’re concerned about.

For more guidance on ways to help soothe your child after their vaccination, see our articles on Understanding Baby Fever: Tips for Comforting Your Little One and The Power of Sleep.

Tips for infant vaccination appointment

Preparing ahead of time can make the experience easier for both you and your baby. Here are some practical tips:

• Bring your child’s health record so the nurse or GP can update their immunisation history and check what is due.
• Dress your baby in loose, easy-access clothing to make injections easier.
• Feed your baby shortly before the appointment so they are calm and comfortable.
• Bring comfort items like a blanket, dummy, or toy for distraction.
• Plan to stay in the clinic during the short post-vaccine observation time.
• Try to stay calm - babies pick up on your mood.

Feeling nervous is normal, especially before the first appointment. Remember that vaccination is usually a quick process, and the benefits for your baby’s health are enormous. Your healthcare team is there to support both you and your little one every step of the way.

Final thoughts on infant vaccinations

Vaccines are some of the safest and most effective tools we have to protect babies from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. By following the recommended vaccine schedule, you are giving your child a strong foundation of immunity in their earliest and most vulnerable years.

If you have questions about your baby’s vaccination needs or reactions, talk to your GP, paediatrician, maternal child health nurse or trusted health information sources. They can tailor personalised advice, answer your questions and provide reassurance. Remember, that you are not alone in this journey.