The Australian Government makes some vaccines free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).​​
Polio is a viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. Most people with polio have no symptoms. About 10% may have fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting, but they usually recover.
In about 2% of cases, the virus causes severe muscle pain and stiffness in the back or neck. Less than 1% develop paralysis, which can affect the arms, legs, neck, or breathing muscles.
Polio spreads through contact with tiny amounts of faeces or saliva from an infected person. This can happen if hands are not washed properly.
The virus enters through the nose or mouth, infects the gut, and can spread to the blood and nervous system. People with polio are most contagious 10 days before symptoms until 10 days after symptoms appear.
Vaccines help the immune system fight infections. If a vaccinated person is exposed to the virus, their body can fight the illness better or make it less severe.
A full course of the polio vaccine (3 doses) is 99% effective at preventing the disease.
Adolescents who have not had all 3 doses of the polio vaccine should be vaccinated.
Do not give the vaccine to people who:
Anaphylaxis is a very rare but severe allergic reaction.
It can cause unconsciousness or death if not treated quickly. Immunisation providers are trained to manage anaphylaxis.
If you don’t have records, your child can still be safely vaccinated.
The vaccine contains small amounts of:
These ingredients help the vaccine work or preserve it. It was also exposed to bovine-derived materials during manufacturing.
Vaccines in Australia are very safe. They must pass strict safety checks before approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA also monitors vaccine safety after use.
Side effects are usually mild and may include:
Serious side effects are extremely rare. For more information, check the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø School Vaccination Program. If you are concerned about side effects, contact your GP.
No. Pregnant students should not get the vaccine.
On vaccination day, nurses will ask female students if they are or could be pregnant. If a student says yes, she will not be vaccinated. She will be advised to talk to her parent or doctor and will be given contact details for a support service.
Parents or guardians must give consent for students under 18. Students aged 18 and older can give their own consent by signing the Consent Form.
You can withdraw consent at any time by writing to the school or calling them.
If your child missed their vaccination at school, arrange a catch-up as soon as possible. Some schools offer catch-up clinics. If not, contact your GP or pharmacist to arrange the vaccination
Your child’s vaccination record will be added to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Parents can request their child’s Immunisation History Statement until the child turns 14. Students aged 14 and older can request their own record. You can access it:
The information on the Consent Form is private and protected by law. It will be added to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health immunisation register and linked to the AIR so it can be viewed on MyGov.
You can find more details: