Immunisations
Immunisations are not currently required as part of the IME, unless special arrangements apply.
Parents must, however be strongly encouraged to consider immunising their children against Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, haemophilus influenza type-b (Hib), pneumococcal and meningococcal infections, mumps, measles, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). Rotavirus vaccination is encouraged in infants between two and eight months of age.
Parents are advised to complete outstanding immunisations before they travel to Australia. Parents are advised to take their children’s immunisation records to Australia, as these will be required for school enrolment and other settlement related purposes, including provision of family benefits.
Rubella vaccination is strongly recommended for women of child-bearing age; however, it is contraindicated if they are already pregnant.
Live vaccines are generally contraindicated for most people who are severely immunocompromised and must not be administered in these cases, unless consultation with a specialist has occurred.