Immunisation: staying up to date at every age
Immunisation isn't only a childhood thing. There's a schedule that follows you through life, from the early years to older age, with catch-ups, boosters and travel to think about along the way. Here's how it fits together, and where your GP comes in.
What is the immunisation schedule?
Australia has a national schedule that sets out the vaccines recommended for your age and situation, and when they're best given. It runs from infancy through childhood and adolescence into adult and older-adult life, with some vaccines recommended in pregnancy. The idea is simple: protection is timed to when it does the most good, so most people can follow the schedule without having to work it out themselves.
Roughly speaking, the early years cover the most doses, adolescence adds a few given through school programs, and adult life is quieter with occasional top-ups. Pregnancy has its own recommendations that protect both parent and baby in the first months of life, and older age brings a small set of vaccines that matter more as the immune system changes. Your GP works out which stage applies to you and what's outstanding.
What is catch-up vaccination?
Catch-up vaccination is a plan to bring you or your child up to date when some vaccines have been missed or delayed. It's very common, and it isn't a problem to start late. Your GP checks your records, works out what's outstanding, and arranges a sensible order and timing so you catch up safely. People who are new to Australia are welcome to bring whatever records they have, and we work from there.
Life gets busy, families move countries, and appointments slip. None of that closes the door. A catch-up plan simply picks up where things left off, and there's no need to start any course again from the beginning.
Why do some vaccines need boosters?
Protection from some vaccines fades over time, and for others the recommendation changes as you get older or your circumstances change. Boosters top up that protection at the points where it matters most. Your GP will let you know which boosters apply to you and when they're due, so you don't have to keep track of it all yourself.
A booster isn't a sign the first dose failed. It's a planned top-up, timed to keep your protection where it should be.
What should I do about vaccines before travelling?
See a GP about six to eight weeks before you travel, since some vaccines need time to take effect or are given as a course. Your GP will look at where you're going, what you'll be doing and your health history, then advise which vaccines are recommended for your trip. Leaving a little time also means you can sort out any other travel health advice in the same visit.
Even if your trip is sooner than that, it's still worth checking in. There's often something useful that can be done, and some advice is helpful right up to the day you leave.
Where are my immunisation records kept?
Your immunisation history is recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register, a national record that follows you through life. You can view it yourself through your online government services, and your GP can look it up too. That single record is what makes catch-ups, boosters and school or childcare requirements much easier to sort out, because everyone is working from the same list.
Not sure what's due?
A quick GP visit can check your record and plan any catch-ups or boosters.
How Sirius Health can help
Our Chatswood GPs can review your immunisation record, plan catch-ups for children and adults, advise on boosters, and help you prepare before travel. Start with a general practice appointment and bring any records you have. If you're thinking about the flu vaccine in particular, our guide on the flu vaccine answers the common questions. We consult in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Sources: Australian Government Department of Health, National Immunisation Program; healthdirect, Immunisation and vaccinations; Australian Immunisation Register.