Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and vaccines
Some vaccine preventable diseases are more common and more severe in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples compared to the general Australian population.
For this reason, the government has funded some specific vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). These vaccines are free but you may need to pay a consultation fee to receive the vaccine.
In the ACT, these additional vaccines help protect from influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease and meningococcal B infection.
Influenza vaccine
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
The influenza vaccine is recommended and free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 6 months and over.
Find out more about flu vaccines.
Invasive pneumococcal disease
Invasive pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacteria. This can cause severe illness including infection of the brain, blood or lungs.
In the ACT pneumococcal vaccine is funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who:
- are 50 years or older
- or have any high-risk underlying medical conditions.
Go to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website for more information about pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal vaccines.
Getting your children vaccinated
Immunisation protects against many diseases. You can help your child stay healthy by giving all immunisations on time.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eligible for Meningococcal B vaccines at 2, 4 and 12 months of age.
The annual flu vaccine is also recommended from 6 months of age.
Find out more about when children should be immunised at the ACT Immunisation Schedule.