Baby Immunisations in Victoria — The Free Schedule & Where to Go

Childhood vaccines on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are free in Australia, and in Victoria you have two easy ways to get them: your GP, or a free council immunisation session. Here's the whole picture.

The schedule (birth to 4 years)

The standard free NIP schedule for babies and toddlers:

• Birth — hepatitis B (ideally within 24 hours).
• 2 months (can be given from 6 weeks) — 6-in-1 (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hep B, polio, Hib), pneumococcal, rotavirus.
• 4 months — 6-in-1, pneumococcal, rotavirus.
• 6 months — 6-in-1; extra doses for some babies (ask your nurse/GP).
• 12 months — meningococcal ACWY, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), pneumococcal.
• 18 months — measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV / adds chickenpox), Hib, whooping cough booster.
• 4 years — diphtheria-tetanus-whooping-cough-polio booster, MMR (if not given as MMRV).

Some babies — premature, medically at-risk, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — are eligible for extra free vaccines. Your immunisation nurse or GP will flag these.

Free flu vaccine is available every year for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years — get it from autumn each year.

Where to get them in Melbourne

1. Council immunisation sessions — every Melbourne council runs free sessions at community centres and town halls, often no appointment needed. Search "[your council] immunisation sessions." This is the cheapest, easiest route and the nurses are vaccine specialists. 2. Your GP — convenient if you're already seeing them; bulk-billed vaccines are free, though the consult may have a gap fee at some clinics. 3. Maternal & Child Health visits don't give the jabs, but your nurse tracks them and reminds you — see our MCH visits guide.

Proof of immunisation — the AIR

Every dose is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You'll need an Immunisation History Statement (download via myGov → Medicare, or the Express Plus Medicare app) to enrol in childcare and kinder.

"No Jab No Play" and "No Jab No Pay"

• No Jab No Play (Victoria): childcare and kinder services must have proof your child is up to date (or on a catch-up schedule, or has a valid medical exemption) before they can confirm enrolment. Sort this *before* you're offered a place — see childcare waitlists.
• No Jab No Pay (federal): your child must be up to date to receive the full Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit supplement. See our Free Kinder & CCS guide.

Running behind? Catch-up is free

If you've missed doses — moved countries, illness, or life simply happened — catch-up vaccines are free for under-20s. Book a council session or GP and they'll build a catch-up schedule. Being behind doesn't lock your child out of care permanently; being on a documented catch-up plan counts as "up to date" for No Jab No Play.

Managing the appointment

• Feed your baby beforehand and bring a comfort item.
• Cuddling, breastfeeding, or a dummy during the jab genuinely reduces distress.
• Mild fever, fussiness, or a sore leg for a day or two is normal. For high fever, a fit, or anything that worries you, call your GP or Nurse-on-Call 1300 60 60 24; in an emergency call 000.

Disclaimer: melbourne.baby is a community platform — information is general and not medical advice. Check health.vic.gov.au for the current schedule, which is updated periodically.