Important Update: Understanding Childhood Immunisation Pamphlet
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National Immunisation Program Schedule, Australia
(Effective from 1 July 2007)
*Note: Additional vaccines are funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in NT, WA, SA and QLD.
** 3rd dose of vaccine dependent on vaccine brand used.
For more information about immunisation visit the Immunise Australia website at http://immunise.health.gov.au or call the Immunise Australia Information Line on 1800 671 811.
For more information about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, visit the Immunisation Register website at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or call 1800 653 809.
Important update for understanding childhood immunisation
From 1 July 2007, rotavirus immunisation has been added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP).The NIP provides free rotavirus vaccine to all children born on or after 1 May 2007.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, causing around half of all hospitalised cases of gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years of age.
Children can be infected with rotavirus several times during their lives. The illness can range from mild, watery diarrhoea of limited duration to severe dehydrating diarrhoea with vomiting and fever, which can result in death. Confirmation of rotavirus infection can only be made by laboratory testing of faecal specimens.
The peak incidence of rotavirus disease causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration is between 6 and 24 months of age.
Rotavirus immunisation
Rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect children against rotavirus disease. The vaccine will not prevent diarrhoea and vomiting caused by other infectious agents.Rotavirus vaccine is given in 2 or 3 doses, depending on the vaccine brand used. The vaccine is given orally, at the same time as other vaccines at 2, 4 and 6* months of age.
There is an upper age limit for the administration of rotavirus vaccine.
It is very important to give each dose on time, as late or catch-up doses cannot be given. The safety of the vaccine has not been tested in older babies or children. It is important, therefore, to ensure that your child receives this vaccine as close to the recommended age as possible (2, 4 and 6* months).The vaccine contains a small amount of inactivated live rotavirus.
It is recommended that you complete the vaccine course with the same brand of vaccine. If this is not possible, due to relocation or other reasons, please discuss your individual requirements with your immunisation provider.
Possible side effects of rotavirus immunisation
There is a slightly increased risk of diarrhoea and vomiting in the week after rotavirus vaccination.*depending on vaccine brand use
Where can I get more information?
- Ask your doctor, midwife, or community health nurse;
- call the number below in your state or territory;
- call the Immunise Australia Information Line on 1800 671 811; or
- visit www.immunise.health.gov.au
Additional contacts
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Immunisation Inquiry Line
(02) 6205 2300
New South Wales
Contact the local Public Health Units (look under 'Health' in the White pages)Northern Territory
Centre for Disease Control(08) 8922 8044
Queensland
Contact local Population Health Units(look under 'Queensland Health' in the White pages)
South Australia
South Australia Immunisation Coordination Unit(08) 8226 7177
SA (24-hour) Parent Help-line (Child and Youth Health)
1300 364 100
Tasmania
(03) 6222 7724 or 1800 671 738Victoria
Immunisation Unit1300 882 008
Western Australia
(08) 9321 1312Page last modified: March, 2008
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