Immunisations

Child immunisations

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of giving protection against disease. After immunisation, your child is far less likely to catch the disease if there are cases in the community. 

The benefit of protection far outweighs the very small risks of immunisation. Children are routinely immunised with vaccines recommended in accordance with the National Immunisation Schedule.

Details about the ages for children to have their immunisation is in the immunisation section of your child’s Child Health Record Book or see the Victorian Immunisation schedule in Related Information (below).

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires Council to coordinate an immunisation service for children living or being educated within the Council boundaries. Nillumbik Shire Council partners with Banyule Council Immunisation Service, to deliver child immunisations.

If you have any questions please contact Banyule Council Immunisation Service on 9457 9964 or 9457 9951.

Immunisation timetable 2021

If you are using a mobile device, please view the full Nillumbik 2021 Immunisation Program here(PDF, 356KB).

See Related Information (below) for downloadable 2021 Nillumbik timetable and an overview of the Victorian Government immunisation program.

Please note: Immunisation sessions are currently operating with a bookings-only system to allow staggering of clients, in line with COVID-19 guidelines. 

• To book an immunisation appointment at Diamond Creek, please click here.
  • Diamond Creek sessions are held at the Diamond Creek Senior Citizens Centre - corner Gipson Street and Elizabeth Street
• To book an immunisation appointment at Eltham, please click here.
  • Eltham sessions are held at the Eltham Library - Panther Place
• To book an immunisation appointment at Hurstbridge, please click here.
  • Hurstbridge sessions are held at Hurstbridge Community Hub - 50 Graysharps Road

In line with the Chief Health Officer’s recommendations, all clients attending an immunisation session will be required to wear a face mask. Wearing a face mask protects you and the community by providing an additional physical barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19).

At this time, only one parent may attend with a child. If necessary, you are permitted to travel outside the 5km radius to attend your appointment.

Meningococcal B (Bexsero)

From 1 July 2020 Meningococcal B vaccine is available to purchase at all Nillumbik public immunisation sessions. The cost is $130 per dose and is available for babies from 6 weeks of age.

Children under 2 years of age are recommended to receive paracetamol 30 minutes prior to any dose, or as soon as practicable after receiving the vaccine, due to the high risk of fever.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 2 years of age are funded to receive this vaccine.

Free flu vaccine for children

The Victorian Government is again funding an influenza vaccine for children six months to under five years. From April 2020 onwards we will be offering the flu shot. No bookings are required to receive the flu vaccine from July onwards.

For further information about influenza visit the Better Health website

Immunisation records

Since October 2016, vaccinations in Australia have been recorded on the centralised Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Prior to this, childhood vaccination records were kept on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). 

Earlier than 1996, records were kept locally with the vaccination provider – such as the local council immunisation service or your GP. They may also have been recorded in a baby health book given to your parent or carer to keep at home.

Find more information on the Better Health website.