When and where are vaccines available?

Your doctor can talk to you about when and where you can access vaccinations, and what type of vaccinations are suitable for you and your child. They will help you make arrangements for you, your child, or other family members to be vaccinated. There is a standard schedule that is used across Tasmania that states which vaccines should be given and when.

If you are pregnant your doctor can talk to you about when is the best time to have vaccines for Influenza and pertussis (whooping cough). Have a look at the Australian Government Department of Health website for information.

Some vaccines are provided to your child at school by a doctor or nurse. These will be arranged by the Department of Health and Human Services. Other vaccines will be given by a doctor or health nurse at a medical centre and are your responsibility as a parent to arrange. Vaccinations that are part of the immunisation schedule can also be given by a doctor or health nurse at vaccination clinics run by the council.

Why is the vaccination schedule different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are able to have extra free vaccines for pneumococcal and flu. This is because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may have a greater risk of being affected by these diseases. These extra vaccines are free of charge to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of particular ages.

Make sure you tell your doctor if you or your child are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and they will arrange for you to have these extra vaccines.

Make sure you tell your doctor if you or your child are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and they will arrange for you to have these extra vaccines. You can find out more on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

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Pregnancy to childhood