Immunisation

Victorian councils play a vital role in delivering and ensuring access to community-based immunisation services. They are a key partner in the delivery of the National Immunisation Program, preventing the spread of infectious diseases through increased herd immunity and safeguarding community health and wellbeing.

Councils also play an important coordinating role working in partnership with schools, early years services, community organisations and state health providers to reach priority populations and support equitable access across diverse communities.

In 2024-25 councils delivered over 450,000 vaccinations to children and young people living and/or being educated in their municipality.  They held over 7,000 community and 1,400 school-based sessions.

The MAV is working closely with councils to advocate for sustainable funding, workforce investment, stronger collaboration across government, and greater support for targeted programs so every community can access this essential public health service.

MAV resources

• Local Government and Immunisation: Strengthening Victoria's Vaccination Efforts Survey Report 2025 (Full Report)
• Local Government and Immunisation: Strengthening Victoria's Vaccination Efforts Survey Report 2025 (Summary)
• Immunisation in Action: Local Government Case Studies Report 2026
• Immunisation in Victoria: A History of Local Delivery
• Victorian Local Government National Immunisation Program Funding Paper 2026
• MAV Maternal and Child Health webpages

Resources for Councils

• Guidelines for Immunisation practice in local governments - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/guidelines-for-immunisation-practice-in-local-governments
• Australian Immunisation Handbook - https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/
• Empowering Immunisation Conversation Guides (SKAI) - https://skai.org.au/healthcare-professionals
• National Immunisation Strategy - https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-immunisation-strategy-for-australia-2025-2030?language=en

Related Websites

• Department of Health Victoria - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/immunisation
• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation?language=en
• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) - https://ncirs.org.au/
• Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) - https://skai.org.au/

Better Health Channel - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/healthyliving/immunisation