One of the best ways to protect your child against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisation. Start4Life has a full list of the all the vaccinations you baby is entitled to and the diseases they will be protected against.
Children have their first MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation at age one. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three serious illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
From July 2025, children born on or after 1 July 2024 will be invited for their second MMR vaccine earlier, at 18 months, to give them protection sooner. Children born before 30 June 2024 will continue to have their second MMR at three years four months. At the same 18-month appointment, your child will also receive an extra booster of the six-in-one vaccine.
From 1 January 2026, all children will be offered a combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) instead of the current MMR vaccine as part of the routine two-dose schedule.