Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that causes a life-threatening infection that can lead to serious illness, especially in children.

The Hib vaccine is available free of charge to all infants as part of the National Immunisation Program.

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products.  It can lead to lifelong infection, liver disease and liver cancer.

The vaccine has been on the childhood immunisation schedule in Victoria since 2001. It is a 3 dose vaccine, usually given over 6 months. It is over 90% effective.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is linked to 70% of cervical cancers. 

Immunisation against HPV involves a course of 3 injections over a 6-month period. The vaccine is available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program for all students in year 7 of secondary school.

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but very serious condition that can lead to life-threatening septicaemia and meningitis (infection of the brain).

Children are routinely immunised against the serogroup C strain of meningococcus at 12 months of age.

A combined vaccine against serogroups A, C, Y and W135 bacteria is also available. This is particularly useful for travellers to countries where epidemics of meningococcal disease occur, and for people with poor functioning or no spleen.

Measles is a contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. Serious and sometimes fatal complications include pneumonia and brain inflammation. 

Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. Serious and potentially lethal complications include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or heart muscle (myocarditis). The disease is spread from person-to-person and is as contagious as the flu.

Rubella (German measles) is a viral illness that causes a skin rash and joint pain. Infection is mild for most people but it can have catastrophic consequences for an unborn baby. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, her baby is at risk of severe and permanent birth defects or death.

Immunisation against these diseases is free of charge for children up to 7 years of age and women planning pregnancy or after the birth of their child.

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms vary from mild, flu-like symptoms to life-threatening paralysis. Half of those who survive will have permanent paralysis.

Immunisation is the best protection against polio and is recommended for all infants, children and adults. A booster is important to consider if you intend to travel to areas where polio is present –especially to Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Angola or Chad.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, causing around half of all hospitalised cases of gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years of age.

Rotavirus vaccination is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program.

Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that causes muscle spasms and breathing problems. Around one in 10 people infected with tetanus will die.

A tetanus and diphtheria booster is recommended for people between 50 and 59 years of age (inclusive) and is provided free-of-charge in Victoria.

Typhoid fever is a serious disease spread by contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid include lasting high fevers, weakness, stomach pains, headache, and loss of appetite. 

Typhoid is common in most parts of the world except industrialized regions. Travellers to Asia, Africa, and Latin America are especially at risk, and the highest risk for typhoid is in south Asia.

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that causes an itchy red rash with blisters. It is one of the most common childhood diseases, although it can affect adults as well. Most people recover fully from chickenpox, but it can cause complications. A child with chickenpox can miss up to two weeks of school.

Immunisation against chickenpox is free for children at 18 months

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms take 3–6 days to develop and include fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches. About 15% of people who get yellow fever develop serious illness that can lead to bleeding, shock, organ failure, and sometimes death. 

Australian authorities require a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers who stay in certain parts of Africa, the Caribbean, Central or South America.

It is also a World Health Organisation requirement that patients are observed for half an hour following a yellow fever injection. Please take this into account when planning your day. More information