Immunisations for teenagers (13 years+)

The best way to protect your child from preventable diseases is to give immunisations in line with the recommended NSW Immunisation Schedule. 

This schedule ensures that your child is provided with the earliest protection from disease. All immunisations on this schedule are free, if your child is eligible for Medicare benefits. Evidence of your child’s immunisation status must be provided for school enrolment. 

If your child missed any immunisations in early childhood, talk to your vaccination provider or doctor. They can provide a catch-up schedule based on your child’s age, previous vaccinations, and medical history. 

Year 7 immunisations

 

Year 10 immunisations

Influenza vaccine

It is also recommended that your child is vaccinated against influenza, more commonly known as the flu, every year. Getting the flu vaccine each year protects your child from the types of flu expected to be the most common that season. 

See the Influenza factsheet for more information. 

Missed a vaccination?

Children who miss the recommended vaccinations on the NSW Immunisation schedule can still get them for free until they turn 20 years old if they are eligible for Medicare – but it is better to start a conversation with your doctor earlier rather than later.

Health checks

Regular health checks

Regular health checks with your local doctor are still important in the high school years to ensure that your child's health and development is on track. Each child develops at their own pace; however, as a parent, you know your child best. If you have concerns about your child, speak to your family doctor. 

Concerns may include, but are not limited to:

  • physical growth: overweight, underweight, overeating, or undereating
  • movement: difficulty coordinating movement or finding regular movement patterns challenging
  • emotional development: are consistently unhappy, frustrated, angry, tired, or anxious or have excessive and frequent mood swings
  • cognitive skills and thinking ability: difficulty concentrating, following directions, solving simple problems, or following directions
  • communication skills: difficulty with speaking, hearing, or writing
  • social skills: difficulty with eye contact, empathy, or engaging with other children.

Your doctor can assess your child, provide advice and education, or refer your child to appropriate services or professionals. You should also see your doctor if your child is unwell, sick, or injured. However, if your child is experiencing an emergency, immediately call Triple Zero (000).

Sexual health checks

A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is an infection a person can get from unprotected sexual contact with someone who has that infection, such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhoea. It can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

The signs and symptoms of an STI may not always be obvious, but if left untreated, it can cause serious health complications or infertility. If your teenager thinks they may have an STI, they will need to see their local doctor.  

Parents can play a key role in educating their children about sexual and reproductive health. It can seem daunting, embarrassing, or awkward – however, research shows that educated young people are often more responsible in relationships. Children and young people look to their parents as a trusted source of information, so opening a line of communication can benefit your child. 

See Sexual health for more information.