Babies and children are immunised so they are able to get the best possible protection against preventable diseases. Whole of life immunisation starts at birth and benefits your child, family and our community.

About this service

Babies and children need to be immunised on time so they can get the best possible protection against preventable diseases.

The National Immunisation Program Schedule lets you know when your child’s immunisations are due.

The seasonal influenza (flu) immunisation is also available for children aged over 6 months and under 5 years of age. This immunisation is free and available at the Early Childhood Immunisation clinics.

Our clinics are all run by Registered Nurses.

Nurses immunise under legislation and can only administer vaccines on the National Immunisation Program Schedule at each point on the schedule. Nurses are unable to administer vaccines that have been prescribed elsewhere, such as a GP clinic.

You can also ask your GP to immunise your baby or child.

Who we care for

We immunise babies and children up to their 6th birthday.

Our services are free to Medicare and Asylum Seeker card holders

How to access this service

You can make an early childhood immunisation appointment by calling Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.

You can book and reschedule through MyDHR. There is more information about MyDHR, including proxy access (when a patient gives another person access to their MyDHR account) on the ACT Health website.

Please don’t forget to bring your child’s personal health record (Blue Book) with you to record all immunisations your child receives.

What to expect

Your child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive their vaccination at one of our Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics.
If a carer other than the parent or guardian is with the child for the appointment, written consent from the parent or guardian and a phone call at the time of appointment will be required for the immunisation to proceed.

The nurse will record your baby’s or child’s immunisation in their blue book.

You will be required to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after the immunisation.

Like all medications there can be some reactions to immunisations. The most common reactions are:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site for 1-2 days and possibly a hard lump at the injection site for a few weeks
• Mild fever that doesn’t last long
• Generally unsettled, crying or sleepy.

You can help your child at home by:

• Offering more breastfeeds or give extra water (if not breastfeeding)
• Using paracetamol for pain or fever
• Washing your hands after changing your child’s nappy
• Dressing your child in light clothing if they have a fever.

You should seek medical help if:

• Paracetamol doesn’t help pain or fever
• Reactions are not going away
• Reactions are getting worse.

If you think your child has experienced a side effect other than those common to immunisation, please follow the advice on Adverse Events Following Immunisation on the ACT Health website.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book).

Where we’re located

Resources

• You can find out more information about vaccinating your child or baby on the ACT Health website.
• Australia Government
• Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation
• Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do
• 2026 National Immunisation Program Funded Influenza Vaccines