Not all recommended vaccines are funded by the NIP. 

Bexsero - information sheet

Bexsero is a vaccine for Meningococcal group B bacteria. Meningococcal disease can be caused by any strain of the meningococcal bacteria. Although rare, with about 700-800 cases per year of meningococcal in Australia, the mortality rate is 5-10%, and permanent complications occur in 10-30% of survivors. The two age groups that have higher incidence of this disease are children <2 years of age, and adolescents 15-19 years of age. 

Vaccination is recommended for:

• Children < 2 years of age

• Adolescents 15-19 years of age

• People with specific medical conditions (as below) as well as HIV, and stem cell transplant 

Bexsero is free under the NIP for:

•  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies 

• All people with asplenia, hyposplenia, complement deficiency, and those undergoing treatment with eculizumab 

Although not free for other groups, you can get it through a prescription from your GP. The price is between $110-$120 per dose. Immunisation can be started as early as 6 weeks of age. Two doses are given 8 weeks apart, and depending on your child's age, a booster may be required later. 

There is a vaccine for meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y funded by the NIP at 12 months of age and in Year 10; it's called Nimenrix. 

Chickenpox Vaccine

Under the NIP, the chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine) is given at 18 months of age. A 2nd dose of the chickenpox vaccine is recommended ≥4 weeks after the first dose, however it is not funded by the NIP. Two doses provides more protection and minimises the chance of breakthrough chickenpox infection. You can get a prescription from your GP to get the second dose - it costs around $55. 

Influenza Vaccine

Every year, the NIP funds the influenza vaccination for vulnerable groups:

• Children 6 months to less than 5 years of age

• Medical at risk groups

• People 65 years and over

• Pregnant people

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Children < 9 years of age who are having the influenza vaccine for the first time, need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. This is to ensure a strong immune response.