Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Each person has unique immunisation needs.
- What vaccinations you need is determined by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation.
- Talk to your doctor about your immunisation needs.
On this page
COVID-19 vaccines: For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see COVID-19 vaccination.
Immunisation for life
To be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, you need immunisations throughout your life, not just in childhood.
Everyone's HALO is different
Your immunisation needs are influenced by your:
- Health – health issues such as premature birth, asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, spleen or kidney conditions will mean you can benefit from immunisation.
- Age – at different ages you need protection from different diseases.
- Lifestyle – lifestyle choices like travelling overseas, playing contact sport, sexual activity or smoking, will mean you can benefit from immunisation.
- Occupation – some jobs expose you to a greater risk of contact with diseases, for example, working in a hospital or day care centre. This means you can benefit from immunisation.
The Immunisation for Life infographic can help you determine which immunisations you may need.
Remember this tool can be used to start a conversation with your doctor. It is not a diagnosis. Discuss your HALO with your doctor or immunisation provider.
It is important to be immunised
Immunisation is a proven and safe way to be protected against diseases that cause serious illness and sometimes death. Every day, immunisation saves lives and makes it possible for Victorians to live free from the illness and the disability caused by many vaccine-preventable diseases.
By reducing the spread of disease, immunisation not only protects those people who have been immunised, but it also protects those in the community who may be unable to receive vaccines themselves.
Vaccine costs
Many of the vaccines listed on the Immunisation for Life infographic are provided free by the Australian Government to Medicare card holders and non-Medicare card holders. You may still have to pay your doctor or immunisation provider to give you the vaccine. Some vaccines need to be purchased on prescription. Vaccines may be covered by your private health fund. Check with your fund.
Vaccine side effects
Common side effects may occur soon after immunisation and last one to 2 days. Generally, no treatment is required. If you have a fever, drink more water and do not overdress. Paracetamol can be taken for pain or fever (follow the label for correct use).
Severe side effects, such as an allergic reaction, are very rare and usually happen soon after immunisation. To be safe, your doctor or immunisation provider will ask you to stay nearby for 15 minutes after you are immunised.
Find an immunisation service
Immunisations in Victoria are provided by local councils, some GPs and specially qualified nurses in medical clinics and community health services, some maternal and child health nurses, travel clinics and some pharmacists and hospitals.
Where to get help
- Your GP (doctor)
- Your local council immunisation service – visit Know Your Council
- Maternal and child health nurse
- Maternal and Child Health Line Tel. 13 22 29 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Victorian Government Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
- National Immunisation Information Line Tel. 1800 671 811
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria
- Australian Immunisation Handbook, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Immunisation schedule Victoria and vaccine eligibility criteria, Department of Health, Victorian Government.
- National Immunisation Program Schedule, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Pre-immunisation checklist, Department of Health, Victorian Government.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
