What parents should know
Keeping vaccination on track
Bring the child's vaccination record to a consultation. Age, previous doses, health history and the applicable immunization schedule help determine what is due. If records are incomplete, share every detail you can confirm.
Delayed or missed doses
A delayed schedule often can be continued with a catch-up plan. Do not assume the full course must restart. A qualified clinician should review the record and advise the next appropriate dose and timing.
- Bring all available records
- List known dates and vaccine names
- Mention allergies and previous reactions
- Ask where the advised vaccine can be administered
After vaccination
Mild pain or fever can occur after some vaccines. Follow the administering service's advice. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse, seizures or a child who appears severely unwell.
Seek urgent medical care now if
- • Breathing difficulty, facial or tongue swelling, or collapse
- • Seizures, loss of consciousness or severe weakness
- • A child who appears severely unwell or is rapidly worsening
- • Any reaction for which the administering service advised emergency care
Do not wait for an online reply or routine clinic appointment when a child has emergency warning signs.
See all emergency red flagsThis information is for general parent education and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified medical professional. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a clinic or online appointment.