Immunisation uses the body’s immune response to build resistance to specific infections. Vaccines are given as an injection or, in the case of rotavirus vaccine, taken by mouth. After receiving a vaccination, the immune system generates specialised cells to fight the infection if they are exposed to the disease.

If a vaccinated person comes in contact with these diseases, their immune system is able to respond more effectively, preventing the disease from developing or greatly reducing its severity.

Immunisation helps children stay healthy by preventing serious infections. The risk of serious side effects from immunisation is very low compared to the risk of complications or death should a child contract one of the vaccine-preventable diseases.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule is a series of immunisations given at specific times throughout your life.

• National Immunisation Program Schedule for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• National Immunisation Program Schedule for all non-indigenous people
• National Immunisation Program schedule for all people
• Immunisation Schedule Queensland

Queensland’s School Immunisation Program provides parents with the opportunity to have their Year 7 and Year 10 children vaccinated for free.

• What to expect and what to do following vaccinations
• Queensland Government –  Health & Wellbeing – Immunisation
• Queensland Government Vaccination Matters campaign
• Australian Government – Immunisation
• School Immunisation Program 
• Comparison of the effects of diseases and the side effects of vaccines
• Questions about vaccination
• National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance (NCIRS)
• Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI)
• AusVaxSafety
• Chain of Protection
• Smart Traveller Advice
• MMR Decision Aid
• Recommended Minimum Exclusion Periods for Infectious Conditions