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National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) is the leading research organisation in Australia that provides independent expert advice on all aspects of vaccine preventable diseases, and other issues related to immunisation, to inform policy and planning for immunisation services in Australia.

Research and surveillance activities include surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases, monitoring of vaccination coverage, evaluation of vaccination programs, monitoring of vaccine safety and social research. NCIRS also provides technical support to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, including development and review of technical content for The Australian Immunisation Handbook.

NCIRS brings together experts in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, paediatrics, internal medicine, infectious diseases, epidemiology and quantitative and qualitative survey methods.

Vision and mission

Healthy people in Australia and beyond through immunisation.

To lead and support collaborative research and to advance immunisation policy and practice.

How NCIRS can help

Our work

The primary role of NCIRS in Australia is to provide expert technical immunisation advice to government. NCIRS is unable to provide patient-specific medical advice. Please visit your General practitioner (GP) to discuss your specific clinical situation.

Programs, apps and tools

AusVaxSafety

Led by NCIRS and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, AusVaxSafety is a world-leading national vaccine safety surveillance system. Using de-identified data reported directly from people receiving the vaccines (or their parent or carer), AusVaxSafety monitors adverse events following immunisation and facilitates early detection of potential vaccine safety issues. In the days following vaccination, responses are solicited via an automated SMS using AusVaxSafety surveillance tools (SmartVax or Vaxtracker), which have been implemented in more than 300 sentinel sites across Australia. For more information, visit ausvaxsafety.org.au.

SKAI – Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation

The SKAI website for parents contains information that you can trust, including information about the vaccinations recommended for your child between birth and 4 years. It also provides answers to the common questions parents ask about vaccination.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: July 2023

Information from this partner

Found 93 results

Varicella-zoster (chickenpox) vaccines for Australian children | NCIRS

This fact sheet provides information on varicella-zoster (chickenpox) rotavirus disease and the available vaccines to assist immunisation providers in the delivery of varicella-zoster vaccinations to children.

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) FAQs | NCIRS

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. It is most serious in infants, young children and older adults.

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Influenza | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

Influenza Key facts You can get the influenza vaccination at any time during your pregnancy, and at any time of the year

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

After your visit | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

After your visit Key facts Most babies and children do not experience any symptoms or discomfort from vaccinations

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Influenza | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

Influenza Key facts Influenza is a viral infection

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Vaccinations at 4 months | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

2 months 4 months 6 months 12 months 18 months 4 years Vaccinations at 4 months Key facts Three vaccines are recommended for your baby at four months of age

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

What about autism? | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

What about autism? Key facts A number of high-quality studies have confirmed that vaccination does not cause autism

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Vaccinations at 6 months | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

2 months 4 months 6 months 12 months 18 months 4 years Vaccinations at 6 months Key facts At six months, it is recommended that your baby has another dose of the combined vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hib, polio, and hepatitis B

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Vaccinations at 4 months | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

2 months 4 months 6 months 12 months 18 months 4 years Vaccinations at 4 months Key facts Three vaccines are recommended for your baby at four months of age

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

Vaccinations at 2 months | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI

2 months 4 months 6 months 12 months 18 months 4 years Vaccinations at 2 months Key facts Three vaccines are recommended for your baby at two months of age (can be given from six weeks)

Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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