Immunization is a vital component of public health that helps protect individuals and communities from infectious diseases.
Immunization is a way of preventing infectious diseases. Vaccinations are offered to babies, children, and adults to protect against serious and preventable diseases.
Immunization uses your body’s natural defense mechanism, the immune response, to build resistance to specific infections. If you have been immunized and you come into contact with that disease, your immune system will respond to prevent you from developing the disease.
When should you get immunized?
The National Immunisation Schedule provides a series of free vaccinations timed for different life stages. Immunising on time provides the best protection. Missing or delaying a vaccination can put your family’s health at risk.
Find out more:
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Pregnancy
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Babies and young children
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Older children
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Older adults
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Traveling overseas
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Are my immunizations up to date?
How do you get immunized?
Your doctor or nurse can provide vaccinations, which are generally given as injections in the arm or leg (rotavirus vaccine is given as drops of liquid into the mouth). Contact your family doctor to make an appointment. Pharmacists, midwives, and other specially trained health professionals can also offer some vaccines.
