Recommended sites for childhood vaccination resource

This printable (A3) resource details the recommended sites for childhood vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule as well as additional vaccines funded by some states and territories.
 

View the resource

Download the print-ready colour version | Download the print-ready black & white version 

Printing in A3 size is recommended.

Additional childhood vaccines that are recommended but not NIP-funded are listed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and the NCIRS immunisation schedules.

Note: Vaccination site locations shown in this resource are approximate only. Specific clinical advice on anatomical injection sites can be found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. 
 

Guiding principles and further clinical advice

• The dark-shaded boxes in the resource indicate vaccines that are recommended and NIP-funded for all children. The lighter-shaded boxes indicate vaccines that are recommended and/or funded for certain population groups or by certain state and territories.
• Before vaccination, immunisation providers should screen the patient, obtain valid consent, and ensure the correct equipment and procedures are in place.
• Additional vaccines are recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Use of culturally appropriate service delivery and communication strategies can support First Nations people to self-identify, assisting discussions about additional vaccines. 
• Multiple vaccines can be given at the same appointment, with appropriate intervals between vaccines.
• Ensure the correct technique to administer vaccines – as detailed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook – is followed.   
• Ensure a distance of 2.5 cm between injections that are administered in the same muscle.
• If the deltoid muscle mass is inadequate, injections can be administered in the anterolateral thigh.
• Children aged less than 2 years who are receiving meningococcal B vaccination (Bexsero) are recommended to receive prophylactic paracetamol either 30 minutes before vaccination or as soon as practical afterwards. 
   

Influenza vaccination 

• Influenza vaccination is recommended annually for all people aged 6 months and over. Influenza vaccine can be: 
  • administered in a limb by itself 
  • co-administered in a limb where other vaccines are also being given, with a distance of 2.5 cm. 
• For children aged 6 months to less than 9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time, 2 doses are required 4 weeks apart.
• For infants and children, influenza vaccination is NIP-funded for the following age groups:
  • all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 6 months and over
  • all people aged 6 months and over with specified medical risk conditions.

Immunisation providers should also check their state or territory immunisation schedule or their local health authority whether any additional age groups may be funded in their jurisdiction.
 

Specialist immunisation services

Some states and territories offer specialised immunisation advice, including on administration of multiple vaccines at one visit. Contact details for specialist immunisation services can be found here.
 

Reporting and managing adverse vaccination events and administration errors

All adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs), including administration errors, should be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration and to your relevant state or territory health authority. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website gives details on how to report and manage AEFIs.

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance acknowledges that this resource builds on similar resources by Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, NT Health, the Tasmanian Department of Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network.
  

Useful links

• Australian Immunisation Handbook – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care:
  • Administration of vaccines
  • Vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Vaccination for special risk groups  
• Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Multiple vaccinations for children resource – NCIRS
• National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• National Immunisation Program Schedule – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (includes links to state and territory immunisation schedules)
• Reporting and managing adverse vaccination events – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) – NCIRS
• Specialist immunisation services – NCIRS