Vaccine type |
Age,
Number of doses |
Route and dose |
Minimum dosing interval (months) |
Notes |
Diphtheria Tetanus
Pertussis (DTPa, dTpa) NIP: 3-dose primary at 2,4,6 months, booster doses at 18 months, 4 years, 12-13 years. Pregnant women - single dose dTpa each pregnancy.
|
<4 years
4 or 5 doses DTPa
|
IM
0.5 ml |
1,1*,6** |
3 doses for primary series then **4th dose at 18 months of age or 6 months after primary course. If 4 doses of DTP given before age 18 months, give a 5th dose at 4 years, reflecting the NIP. If the 4th dose is given after the child is 3.5 years the 5th dose is not required, and in this case the next dose is the early adolescent booster. A hexavalent vaccine (DTPa-IPV-Hib-HepB) is available in all jurisdictions. *Use of the hexavalent vaccine in catch-up requires attention to intervals for hepatitis B vaccination (2 months between doses 2 and 3 and 4 months between dose 1 and 3). |
4-9 years
4 doses DTPa |
IM
0.5 ml |
1,1*,6** |
3 doses for primary series then **4th dose 6 months after primary course. Hexavalent vaccine as above. |
10 years and older
3 doses (dTpa) |
IM
0.5 ml |
1,1 |
Up to 3 doses of dTpa may be used (previously dTpa, dT, dT). dTpa is available combined with IPV (dTpa-IPV).
dTpa recommended for pregnant women 20-32 weeks gestation in every pregnancy (can be given any time up to delivery). Tetanus and diphtheria (as dTPa) recommended in adults 50 years and older if last dose more than 10 years ago, dTpa booster recommended in adults 65 years and older if last dose more than 10 years ago. Adults (any age) wanting to reduce their risk of pertussis should have pertussis-containing vaccine. |
Measles
Mumps
Rubella (MMR)
(LAV) NIP: 2 doses at 12 months (as MMR) and 18 months (as MMR-V). |
<10 years
2 doses
|
IM or SC*
0.5 ml |
1 |
2nd dose due at 3.5–4 years if
<3.5 years at first dose.
MMR (*given IM) is now available combined with Varicella Vaccine (VV) as MMR-V (*given SC) – although MMR-V is not recommended as the first dose of MMR containing vaccine in children
<4 years, due to increased risk of fever/febrile convulsions in this setting.
Changes in 2019 lowered the recommended age at which infants can receive MMR in special circumstances - from 9 months to 6 months. Infants 6 months and older can receive MMR as post-exposure prophylaxis, or during outbreaks (or for travel to endemic areas). |
10 years and older (born 1966 or later)
2 doses |
IM or SC*
0.5 ml |
1 |
MMR-V (*given SC) can be given as the first dose in children 4 years and older (followed by MMR alone), but is not recommended in those aged 14 years and older. Note: MMR given as part of offshore medical examinations for humanitarian arrivals aged 9 months - 54 years (from 2016). Consider timing in relation to live viral vaccines or TB screening. Women of childbearing age who are seronegative for rubella should receive rubella-containing vaccine (MMR contraindicated during pregnancy). |
Inactivated
Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV) NIP: 4 doses at 2,4,6 months and 4 years. |
<4 years
4 doses*
4 years and older
3 doses |
Varies** 0.5 ml |
1,1, varies*
1,1 |
*4th dose required if aged
<4 years for primary course. If 3rd dose given at <3.5 years give 4th dose at 4th birthday (and 4th dose needs to be recorded on AIR after age 3.5 years). Different combination vaccines available, including hexavalent vaccines and dTpa-IPV.
**IPV in combination vaccines given IM, IPV alone given SC. Note: OPV and IPV are considered interchangeable. Note: Polio vaccination (IPV or OPV) also given as part of offshore medical examinations for humanitarian arrivals (from 2016). Also consider OPV in relation to other live vaccines or TB screening. |
Hepatitis B NIP: 4 doses at birth, 2,4,6 months. |
<11 years
3 doses
|
IM
0.5 ml |
1,2** |
Combination vaccines are available, *minimal intervals: 1 month between dose 1 and 2; 2 months between doses 2 and 3 and 4 months between dose 1 and 3. |
11-15 years
2 doses (adult formulation) |
IM
1 ml |
4 |
Alternate regimen is 3 doses paediatric formulation (0.5 ml) as above. |
16 years and older
3 doses* |
IM
varies** |
1,2** |
*Age 16–19 years 3 doses paediatric formulation (0.5 ml), 20 years and older 3 doses adult formulation (1 ml). Dosing intervals as above. |
Meningococcal Meninogoccal ACWY NIP: single dose at 12 months, also funded for single dose at 14-16 years (year 10 equivalent). Meningococcal B NIP: funded for risk groups only. |
MenACWY Any*
1 or 2 doses** |
IM
0.5 ml |
(2)** |
*MenACWY given at age 12 months, and year 10 equivalent (in Victoria at 15-19 years). Disease has bimodal peaks in incidence (<5 years and 15–24 years). Catch-up dosing reflects routine dosing for age (1-19 years), although MenACWY also recommended for any person who wants to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease. MenC catch-up previously funded to 19 years (born >1987). Consider providing MenACWY if previous vaccination was MenC. ** age 2 years and older one dose Nimenrix/Menveo/Menquadfi, age <2 years varies with age/vaccine type. Additional doses of MenACWY recommended in asplenia and conditions increasing risk of meningococcal disease. |
MenB - not included in catch-up
|
IM 0.5 ml |
2 or 6* |
MenB recommended for <2 years of age, adolescents 15-19 years and any person from 6 weeks of age who wants to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease. *Bexsero = 2 doses, 8 weeks apart (12 months and older) (*3 doses in infants 6 weeks - 11 months see handbook); or Trumenba = 2 doses, 6 months apart (10 years and older). No preference for type if age 10 years and older, vaccines are not interchangeable. Additional
doses of MenB vaccine recommended in asplenia and conditions increasing risk of meningococcal disease. |
Haemophilus
influenzae
type b (Hib) NIP: 4 doses at 2,4,6,18 months. |
2-17 months
1-3 doses then booster*
18-59 months
1 dose |
IM
0.5 ml |
1 or 2*
varies* 2 |
Required in children
<5 years of age. Not required 5 years and older, unless special circumstances, including
asplenia, but may be given as part of combination vaccines. Children
<10 years generally receive multiple doses of Hib through the use of combination vaccines (e.g. hexavalent DTPa/IPV/HiB/HepB).
Refer to Immunisation Handbook for catch-up schedule in younger children – <7 months – 3 doses then booster at 18 months, 7–11 months 2 doses then booster at 18 months, 12–17 months 1 dose then booster at 18 months or 2 months after last dose (whichever is later). If a child has received PRP-OMP Hib vaccine for the first 2 doses, they do not require a 3rd dose but should still have a booster at 18 months. |
Pneumococcal
conjugate (13vPCV) NIP: 3 doses at 2,4,12 months, then single dose at 70 years and older. Additional doses (13vPCV and 23vPPV) for specified medical risk conditions. |
<12 months
3 doses*
12–59 months
1 dose 70 years 1 dose |
IM 0.5 ml |
1,1
– –
|
Required in all children
<5 years of age, and 5 years and older if medical risk factors. If 3 doses given <12 months, give booster dose at 12 months. Also recommended for adults 70 years and older. If providing catch-up for children with medical risk factors:
<12 months – 4 doses required, and 12-59 months – 2 doses required. Dosing interval is 1 month for <12 months age or 2 months for 12 months of age and older.
People with medical risk factors require extra doses of 13vPCV and 23vPPV
(minimum 8 weeks apart) see Immunisation Handbook. Note: 15- and 20-valent conjugate vaccines are now registered for use in Australia (age 18 years and older). |
Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV) NIP: only for medical risk and Aboriginal populations. |
(medical risk factors, age 2 years and older) |
IM 0.5 ml |
– |
Additional doses in people with medical risk factors. See Immunisation Handbook. |
Varicella (VV)
(LAV) NIP: single dose at 18 months. |
18 months –
13 years
1 dose
14 years and older*
2 doses |
SC
0.5 ml |
–
1 |
All children
<14 years should have at least one dose of VV (and preferably two doses of VV), usually given as either VV or MMR-V at 18 months. Prior varicella infection is not a contraindication. If varicella containing vaccine is given
<12 months of age, the dose should be repeated at 18 months. MMR-V is not recommended as the first dose of MMR containing vaccine in children <4 years, due to increased risk of fever/febrile convulsions, and is not recommended in those aged 14 years and older.
*VV is recommended in non-immune adolescents/adults 14 years and older (no clinical history and negative serology). People 14 years and older with a reliable history of varicella should be considered immune; check serology if no clinical history of varicella infection. |
Herpes zoster (LAV) NIP: single dose 70-79 years, changing to 2 doses at 70 years, also funded for immunocompromised people 18 years and older with medical risk conditions. |
50 years and older* 1 or 2 doses** |
SC
0.5 ml |
Zostavax 1 dose, Shingrix 2 doses, 2-6 months immune competent or 1-2 months immune compromised |
*Recommended for all people 50 years and older, and for age 18 years and older if immunocompromised (or expected to become immunocompromised). NIP - funded for age 70-79 years until 31/10/23. **Zostavax (NIP to 31/10/23) - registered age 50 years and older, single dose, Shingrix (NIP from Nov 2023) registered age 18 years and older, 2 doses, 2-6 months apart immunocompetent, 1-2 months immunocompromised. Exclude contraindications, and check
Immunisation Handbook. |
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) NIP: single dose at 12-13 years. |
9-25 years (suggest 12-25y) 1 dose* |
IM
0.5 ml |
|
*Changed to single dose regimen Feb 2023 for immune competent people aged 9-25 years (reducing lower age and raising upper age for catch-up from 19 years), however included at 12-13 years in NIP. Also recommended in all MSM (any age - consider past/future exposure, only funded to 25y), not recommended adults 26 years and older otherwise. Recommended for immunocompromised (suggest 9 years and older) - 3-dose schedule, 0,2,6 months (also noting licensing below). See Immunisation Handbook.
From Feb 2023 - 9-valent HPV funded 9-25 years inclusive. HPV vaccines not recommended during pregnancy, can be given during breastfeeding. Licensed for females age 9–45 years and males 9–26 years. |
Influenza (seasonal and annual) NIP: annual dose 6 months - <5 years, 2 doses in 1st year of administration age 6 months - 9 years. Annual dose 65 years and older, medical risk factors (all ages) and occupational groups. Also funded for pregnant women. |
<9 years
1 or 2 doses*
9 years and older 1 dose
|
IM (dose varies) |
1
– |
Recommended annually for all people 6 months and older, including pregnant women. Victorian funding reflects NIP.
Dose and formulation vary with age and formulation – 0.5 ml age 6 months and older (Fluarix Tetra, Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac tetra, FluQuadri), 0.5 ml 2 years and older (previous and also FlucelvaxQuad), 0.5 ml 5 years and older (previous and also Afluria Quad). Different formulations funded for adults 60 years and older (Fluzone 60y+ and Fluad Quad 0.5 ml 65y+). *If aged
<9 years at the time of first administration – 2 doses minimum 1 month apart. Check Immunisation Handbook and
MVEC information . |
Covid (Separate to NIP). 6 months - 4 years: age-approved original (ancestral) vaccines for primary (no other vaccines for this age group). 5 years and older Omicron XBB.1.5 based vaccines used for primary course and booster doses (from Nov 2023).
|
6 months - 4 years with risk factors - 2 or 3 doses* 5-17 years with risk factors - doses vary* + consider boosters as recommended
18 years and older - 1 dose* + boosters as recommended |
IM (dose varies) |
2 months Boosters 6 months after last dose (not based on time post infection) |
*6 months - 4 years with severe immunocompromise* or complex medical conditions - 2 doses, consider 3rd dose based on risk-benefit assessment. From June 2023, only Comirnaty vaccine for this age group (3mcg dose). Omicron XBB.1.5 expected to be available 2024. No booster doses. 5-17 years Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines - Severe immunocompromise - *2 doses, consider 3rd dose based on individual risk-benefit assessment. Boosters: consider every 12 months based on risk-benefit assessment.
- Complex medical conditions - *1 dose. No booster doses.
- All others - not recommended.
18 years and older - *now 1 dose primary course, Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines. *Severely immunocompromised 2 primary doses, consider 3rd dose (doses 8 weeks apart). Vaccine can be given during pregnancy or breastfeeding; unvaccinated pregnant women are recommended to have a primary course of covid vaccination. Boosters: regardless of prior doses, if 6-months after last covid vaccine (Omicron XBB.1.5-based vaccines preferred): - 75 years and older - recommended every 6 months
- 65-74 years - recommended every 12 months, consider every 6 months
- 18-74 years with severe immunocompromise - recommended every 12 months, consider every 6 months
- 18-64 years consider every 12 months based on risk-benefit assessment.
Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines: 5-11 years Comirnaty (10mcg light blue cap), 12 years and older either Comirnaty (30mcg dark grey cap) or Moderna Spikevax (50mcg). |
Rotavirus
(LAV) NIP: 2 doses at 2 and 4 months |
<6 months,
2 doses*
|
Oral 1.5 ml |
1 |
Not usually given
as catch-up due to strict age restrictions. Rotarix (1.5 ml): 1st dose must be given
<15 weeks, 2nd dose must be given <25 weeks. |
Bacillus Calmette
Guerin (BCG)
(LAV) NIP: not included. |
<5 years with risk factor*,
1 dose
|
ID,
varies** |
– |
Recommended: i) children
<5 years travelling to high prevalence countries (>40 cases per 100,000 population per year - see WHO data) based on individual risk assessment. BCG should be given at least 3 months prior to travel (also consider cumulative travel); ii) neonates with family history of leprosy.
Consider: children <5 years in households with immigrants/unscreened visitors from high prevalence countries. Only give if no record/scar, no immunosuppression, no evidence TB infection (requires TST if previous travel, usually no TST if age
<2 years and no travel) and no other contraindications. **Dose is 0.05ml age <12 months, 0.1ml 12 months and older. Only available through RCH and Monash currently. |