Vaccines for children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 years are free under the National Immunisation Program. This is to help those who didn’t get them in childhood to get up to date through a catch up schedule.
From early 2024 the Meningococcal vaccine will be free for eligible Queensland infants, children and adolescents. Find out more on the Queensland Government Queensland MenB Vaccination Program webpage.
Vaccination Schedule
Your child might need to get 2 to 4 different vaccines at certain ages. It’s also important that they get their vaccines on time.
If your child has medically at-risk conditions, they may need extra vaccines. Talk to your vaccination service provider for more information.
Year 7 students (or age equivalent)
All adolescents should get the following vaccinations:
- human papillomavirus (HPV), given as one dose
- dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough), given as one dose
- influenza, given as one dose each year, there may be a fee for this.
Year 10 students (or age equivalent)
All adolescents should get the following vaccinations:
- meningococcal ACWY, given as one dose
- influenza, given as one dose each year, there may be a fee for this.
The Queensland School Immunisation Program
Students in year 7 and 10 in Queensland schools get free vaccinations through the School Immunisation Program.
Adolescents who aren’t attending school can also get free vaccines, for example those being home schooled. They should get vaccinated in the same year vaccines are given through the school program.
Find out more about the School Immunisation Program on the Queensland Health website.
If your child misses their vaccination at school
If your child misses a vaccine, there are places they can go to catch up.
They can go to:
- a catch up school clinic if offered
- a community immunisation clinic if offered
- your doctor or other vaccination service provider.
Note, the vaccines are free, but there may be a consultation fee for the visit.
Catch ups
If you’ve missed a vaccinations, you can catch up. Human papillomavirus (HPV) catch up is free for children and adolescents up to and including 25 years.
Talk to your vaccination service provider if you think you need to catch up.
Tips for parents
Some children can be nervous about vaccinations. If your child is nervous, talk to them about the importance of vaccination, and how a little pain now will give them long term protection. You can also help them by making sure:
- they have a good breakfast
- they’re wearing loose clothes
- they’re feeling well before their vaccination
- they let their vaccinator know if they’re feeling nervous or unwell.
Vaccination information in your language
For information in your language, watch our video.
Before you start the video, select CC to choose your language.
Vaccines for adolescents
Certain vaccines are recommended for adolescents in Queensland. Certain vaccines are recommended for adolescents in Queensland.
Adolescents in year seven and year ten can get free vaccinations through the Queensland School Immunisation Programme.
If your child is in year seven or year ten they will be given immunisation consent forms. These forms need to be completed and returned to your child's school.
If you need help filling out forms you could ask your teacher, a neighbour or another person in the community for help. Your child will not be vaccinated without this written consent.
If an adolescent in your family has missed vaccinations or does not have an immunisation record your doctor can plan a Catch-up Schedule for them.
People between 10 and 19 years old can have catch-up vaccines for free.
You can also download your child's immunisation record from your Medicare account through my.gov.au on your computer or your mobile phone if your child is under 14 years of age.
People over 14 years of age can access their own immunisation history statement on the AIR.
Ask your doctor to print a copy of your child's immunisation records or call the Australian Immunisation Register 1800 653 809. They will post it to you.
If you need help with English you can use an interpreter by calling 131 450. This service is free.
If your child has an overseas immunisation record in a language other than English you can get the record translated for free. Visit www.translating.dss.gov.au for more information.
If young people under 20 years of age don't have an immunisation record on AIR your family assistance
payments may be impacted.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your vaccinations.
Find out more
For more information about vaccination, contact your health provider or call 13 HEALTH(13 43 25 84) .
Find an vaccination provider
- Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Use HealthDirect’s free service finder
- Call the National Immunisation Hotline on 1800 671 811
Information in your language
You can find information about vaccination in your language on the Queensland Government website.