At risk group - children

Children with certain conditions are considered to be medically ‘at-risk’. This is because they are either at higher risk of developing the particular infection, at more risk of complications as a result of the infection and/or might need additional vaccine doses to provide sufficient ongoing immunity. What conditions fall into the medically 'at-risk’ category will be different for the different vaccine-preventable diseases.  As well as those with certain conditions, children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin are also considered at higher risk of developing certain vaccine-preventable diseases and may require additional vaccinations.

Talk to your doctor if you think that your child has a chronic medical condition about whether additional vaccines are required.

In addition to children less than 5 years of age, older adults (over 65 years), pregnant women and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, people with the following medical conditions may be eligible for a free influenza vaccine each year:

• Heart disease
• Severe asthma
• Chronic lung conditions
• Disease of the nervous system which affect your breathing
• Impaired immunity
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Blood disorders (haemoglobinopathies)

Speak to your healthcare professional about how you can best protect yourself against influenza.

Pneumococcal vaccine is free for all children at 2, 4 and 12 months of age as part of the NIP. 

Some children are considered at greater risk of pneumococcal disease and may require additional vaccinations against this illness, although these may not be covered by the NIP:

• Who have had their spleen removed or where it does not work properly
• With cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
• Who are immunocompromised (e.g. HIV positive, receiving chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients)
• With Down syndrome
• With cochlear implants
• With chronic kidney failure

Note that this is not full list. There may be other conditions that increase the risk of pneumococcal disease in children. Speak with your doctor for further information.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin who live in NT, QLD, WA and SA are also at greater risk of infection from pneumococcal disease and may require additional vaccine doses. 

What additional vaccines are given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will depend on which state or territory the child lives in. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from 6 months of age are eligible for an influenza vaccine via the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Vaccines for hepatitis A, pneumococcal disease and tuberculosis may also be recommended depending on which state or territory you live in.

Talk to your healthcare professional about what is recommended.

It is advised to see a healthcare professional at least 6-12 weeks before travelling overseas, as there may be diseases prevalent where you are heading that are either not present in Australia, or for which we have very low rates.

They can not only provide you with advice on vaccinations, but also on any other medications you may require, or precautions you should take. Note that many of these vaccines are not covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and are therefore not free.