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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 an to advance immunisation policy and practice.

How NCIRS can help

Our work

Information / help lines

The primary role in Australia of NCIRS is to provide expert technical immunisation advice to government. We operate independently of the Australian Government Department of Health.

They are unable to provide patient-specific medical advice via email. 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 2022

Information from this partner

Found 45 results

Influenza vaccines – Frequently Asked Questions

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

12 months | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

Now that your child is 12 months old, three age-specific vaccines are recommended: 4vMenCV, 13vPCV and MMR. These three vaccines help protect your child from five diseases. It is also recommended that your child gets an influenza vaccine every year before influenza season. The vaccines are given as needles, usually in your child’s arms.

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

4 years | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

When your child is four years old, one age-specific vaccine is recommended: a combined DTPa/IPV vaccine. This vaccine strengthens their immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. It is also recommended that your child gets an influenza vaccine every year before the influenza season. These vaccines are given as needles, usually in your child’s arm.

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

6 months | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

When your baby is six months old, one age-specific vaccine is recommended: the combined DTPa-Hib-IPV-HepB vaccine. This vaccine protects your baby from six diseases. Before influenza season, it is also recommended that your baby gets an influenza vaccine. The vaccines are given as needles, usually in baby’s leg.

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

At birth | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

Most babies get two needles (injections) at birth. One is the hepatitis B vaccine and the other is a vitamin K injection. They are usually given in babies’ legs. 

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

6 weeks | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

When your baby is six weeks old, it is recommended they have three vaccines: combined (or hexavalent) DTPa-Hib-IPV-HepB, 13vPCV, and rotavirus. Only two of the vaccines are needles, usually given in babies’ legs. The rotavirus vaccine is given as drops put into your baby’s mouth to swallow.

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

How do I know the vaccines are safe? | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

Any suspected problem with a vaccine is thoroughly investigated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

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

Vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and children | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and children are special and can get extra protection with other vaccines

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

SKAI - supporting communities | NCIRS

SKAI – Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation is a suite of vaccination communication support tools

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

What is in the vaccines? | Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation | SKAI

Antigens train the immune system to clear disease-causing germs (bacteria or viruses) from the body quickly, before they can cause serious illness

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

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Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

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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