What is immunisation?

Immunisation protects children (and adults) against harmful infections before they come into contact with them in the community.

Immunisation uses the body's natural defence system mechanism – the immune response – to build resistance to specific infections. Immunisation helps children to stay healthy by preventing serious infections. The risks of the diseases are far greater than the very small risks of immunisations.

Visit the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register for information on immunisation in both English and other languages.