Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against harmful diseases that can cause serious complications and sometimes death.  Immunisation will help your child stay healthy because it reduces the risk of serious diseases.

FREE Community Immunisation Clinics 

Ipswich City Council conducts weekly immunisation clinics.  These clinics are FREE.  There is no need to make an appointment, just arrive and all you need to bring is your Medicare card and your child's immunisation record book.  If you don't have a book, we can write out a card for you, however, it is preferable that all records be kept in a single location to ensure a true history is shown. 

No appointment necessary and all vaccines in the program are provided free as per the National Immunisation Program (refer to http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/ ). Medicare Card and child/person's immunisation records (baby health record book) are requested at the time of vaccination.

 "Drop in" clinics are operated by Child Health at same time as immunisation clinics.

In addition to the free clinics, immunisation will be rolled out across high schools every year as part of the National Immunisation Program. Catch up immunisations will be offered to students at council immunisation clinics.

Consent Forms for Community Clinics

An Immunisation Consent Form and Pre-Vaccination Checklist must be completed and presented at the clinic.  This form must be completed and signed by the child's parent or legal guardian before any vaccinations can be provided.  A carer may bring the child to the clinic but the forms must be completed and signed by the child's parent or guardian.

The Comparisons of Diseases and Effects form must also be brought to the clinic. 

Immunisation Consent Form And Pre-vaccination Checklist (PDF, 536 kb)
Comparision of Disease and Effects (PDF, 826 kb)

National Immunisation Program Schedule

The Government updates a schedule which outlines what immunisations are required at different ages.  To view this schedule please use the following link:

National Immunisation Program Schedule    

NOTE: Due to the increase in whooping cough in the community, it is recommended that infants receive their vaccinations at 6 weeks of age ahead of the 8 weeks as indicated in the National Immunisation Program.

For general information about immunisations please refer to the Australian Governments website Immunise Australia Program.    

Adult Immunisation Programs  

Ipswich City Council also provides the following vaccinations to eligible adults at their Community Immunisation Clinics:  

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

Any person born after 1/1/1966 is eligible for a free dose of the MMR vaccine.  A person requires 2 doses of the vaccine to offer maximum protection against these diseases.

Pneumococcal

This vaccine is provided free for any persons:

• Aged 65 years and older
• Indigenous adults aged 50 years and older
• Indigenous adults aged 15-49 years with risk factors

Influenza

During the flu season (winter months), this vaccination is provided free for any person each year who is:

• Aged 65 years and older
• Indigenous adults aged 50 years and older
• Indigenous adults aged 15-49 years with risk factors   

School Based Vaccination Program

This program is offered to any high school aged student in the appropriate year level.  The following vaccinations are offered free:
 
Year 8 students (all) 

• Hepatitis B (2 doses) 2013 only - children born prior May 2000
• Varicella - zoster (chicken pox) 
• HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) 3 doses

Year 10 students (all)

• Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis(whooping cough)

Year 10 students (males only)

• HPV (human papillomavirus vaccine) 3 doses - 2013 and 2014 only

If your child is in the above year level but does not attend school they are still entitled to the vaccines for free.
Before a student can be vaccinated at school a completed and signed Queensland Health consent form must be provided.
Any student who has missed a vaccination at school can attend any of the immunisation clinics listed or for further information please contact Council on (07) 3810 6666. 

Resources for Schools

Queensland Health provides resources and further information for parents and schools about the School Based Vaccination Program, including Principal Kits and fact sheets.

Queensland Health - School Based Vaccination Program Information

Immunisation Records

The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) is a national register which commenced in 1996 and is administered by Medicare Australia.  This register records the details of vaccinations given to children up to seven years of age who live in Australia.

To request records:

• phone 1800 653 809 
• email acir@medicareaustralia.gov.au
• request statement by mail
• visit the Medicare Australia website
• visit your local Medicare office

If your child has been immunised overseas you can have the details added to the ACIR either by visiting your general practitioner or a Council Community Immunisation Clinic.  

Council Records

Ipswich City Council keeps records of vaccinations performed by Council.  These records are kept for 21 years from the date of vaccination.  You can request an immunisation record for yourself or your child.  Legal guardians are also able to request information.

To request a record of vaccinations performed by Council, make a request in writing including:

• your name, address and phone number
• the relationship to the person whose records are being requested
• the full details of the person who the record is for, including:
- name
- date of birth
- current address
- address at the time of vaccinations
• information on the immunisation records you need (e.g. Hepatitis B)

Send your request by:

• email
• mail:    Ipswich City Council
              PO Box 191
              Ipswich Qld 4305