About our immunisation services
Immunisation protects the community from some diseases, known as vaccine-preventable diseases, and stops the spread of infection.
Our Centre for Population Health’s immunisation team works closely with doctors, nurses, schools and childcare centres, local councils and the general public to ensure people of all ages are vaccinated according to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The team provides information and general advice on vaccination except the ones for travel.
The team is also involved in research related to immunisation to improve vaccination services provided to the community.
Types of vaccinations
Learn about vaccinations available for you and your family.
On-time immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is important to provide early protection against vaccine preventable diseases.
In NSW, Aboriginal immunisation health workers (AIHWs) support families, communities and health services with information and resources about vaccination.
An AIHW is available to yarn about vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Western Sydney.
Resources
- NSW Aboriginal Immunisation Health Worker Program
- Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Childhood immunisation resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Contact
Aboriginal immunisation health worker (Western Sydney only)
Mobile: 0448 019 844
NSW Health Public Health Unit
Call: 1300 066 055
Rabies and lyssavirus exposure
Our Public Health Unit works with local doctors to ensure that people who are exposed to rabies or lyssavirus are protected from infection.
If you were bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia, or by a bat or other animal overseas, see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will assess your risk and arrange post-exposure treatment if it is needed, including the rabies vaccine.
Do this even if you already saw a doctor or started treatment overseas. If you require post-exposure treatment (free vaccine or immunoglobulin) your GP can organise this through the Public Health Unit.
For advice on free post-exposure treatment please see your GP as soon as possible.
Information for GPs and clinicians
Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies/lyssavirus can be administered by any GP. PEP administration is time-sensitive.
For patients presenting with possible exposure to rabies/lyssavirus, the need for PEP can be assessed by GPs and other treating clinicians using guidance in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and by completing the Rabies And Australian Bat Lyssavirus Post Exposure Assessment Form
This e-form is received by the Public Health Unit who will then contact the GP or treating clinician to advise and coordinate supply of PEP.
The National Immunisation Program schedule (NIP) tells us which vaccines people living in Australia should receive at different times and ages in their life. These vaccines are free for those eligible for Medicare benefits.
The NSW Immunisation Schedule tells us which vaccines people living in NSW will need over their life journey from birth to adulthood. It is based on the NIP and also includes additional vaccines funded by NSW Health.
To have the best protection at different stages of life, people should ensure they are immunised on time.
Delayed or missing vaccinations (catch up vaccination)
Children who have not received all vaccines recommended by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) require additional (catch-up) vaccination.
This brings them up to date and ensures that they are protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases. To help immunisation providers plan catch-up vaccination, parents need to provide documents of what vaccinations the child has had previously.
All childhood and some adolescent vaccinations are free of charge. Ask your doctor or immunisation provider for more information.
The Commonwealth Government funds a range of catch-up vaccines under the National Immunisation Program. Detailed information is available on the Commonwealth’s catch-up immunisation website.
More information
Public childhood vaccination clinics
Most general practitioners (or local doctors) in Western Sydney offer childhood vaccinations.
There are also several public vaccination clinics for children, that are supported by the Public Health Unit. These clinics are staffed by registered nurses authorised in immunisation.
There is no cost to attend public clinics, and a Medicare card is not needed.
Clinic locations:
- Childhood Immunisation - Blacktown City Council
- Auburn Community Health Centre - Immunisation Clinic
- Clinc times - Thursday 5pm to 7pm, call (02) 8759 4000
Resources
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Childhood immunisation
- No Jab No Pay - National and state legislation in relation to immunisation requirements for childcare.
- Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation - vaccination communication support tools (NCIRS).
- Empowering immunisation conversations – evidence-based support for conversations with parents who have questions about immunisation.
- AusVaxSafety - Vaccine safety data
Contact
Call the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 5 years and older.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) vaccination is important for people who have a higher risk of severe illness. Vaccination is available through general practitioners and pharmacies.
- For up to date, recommended COVID-19 vaccination information: COVID-19 Vaccines
- For information about COVID-19, including vaccination: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Contact
Contact your GP or usual immunisation provider for advice and further information.
The flu (or influenza) vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.
Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program Schedule for the following groups:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 6 months and older.
- Children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age.
- Individuals aged 5 years and over with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of complications from influenza.
- Pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy).
- People aged 65 years and older. An influenza vaccine that produces stronger protection is available for this group.
More information
2025 seasonal influenza vaccination information for immunisation providers (NSW Health) includes:
- updated ATAGI advice on administering seasonal influenza vaccines in 2025
- eligibility for free influenza vaccine
- vaccine strains
- influenza vaccines
- getting prepared - 2025 influenza vaccination
- program resources
- reporting influenza vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register
- influenza vaccine supply
- ordering influenza vaccines
- influenza vaccine safety
- resources.
Contact
Call the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
We work in partnership with Western Sydney high schools to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in school-based clinics.
Vaccination information is sent to parents digitally from their school, with links to provide online consent for their child.
Parents are advised to read all the information provided and complete the online consent prior to the school clinic date.
Paper-based vaccination consent forms are available from their child’s school for parents and carers without a Medicare card, or those who prefer to use paper forms.
Catch-up vaccination is available for students who miss vaccination through school clinics scheduled later in the year, or through local doctors and some pharmacies.
Resources
Contact
Call the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Vaccination before and during pregnancy protects your newborn from some infections and serious complications.
Resources
- Vaccination for women who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or breast feeding
- Pregnant women: protect your newborn from whooping cough
- Pregnant women and influenza
Contact
Call the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Yellow fever is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Vaccination is required for people travelling to areas where the virus is common, such as parts of South America and Africa.
People travelling overseas are strongly advised to consult either their local doctor, or a specialist travel doctor for advice on required vaccinations when travelling.
To find your nearest yellow fever vaccination clinic, enter your suburb or postcode in the NSW Health Yellow fever vaccination clinic search tool.
Our immunisation eeam does not provide travel advice to individuals.
Resources
- For professionals and travellers:Yellow fever Immunisation Program
- For immunisation providers: To become an approved yellow fever vaccination clinic, complete the Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre application package and contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
- Yellow fever fact sheet
Only those providers who are approved by the Public Health Unit, and are issued an individually numbered stamp, are authorised to purchase and provide yellow fever vaccination.
Contact
Call the NSW Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
If you experience adverse effects following immunisation
The aim of reporting of adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) is to monitor vaccine safety and detect any unexpected adverse events that have not been seen in vaccine trials.
Adverse events can occur any time after receiving an immunisation and could be related to the immunisation.
Learn more about adverse events after immunisation.
Contact
If you're concerned you have had an adverse event following an immunisation, you should see your local doctor immediately.
If you have any questions, you can contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.