Find out more about infectious diseases and the vaccines that prevent them.
Diphtheria
A serious disease that causes breathing difficulties and can lead to heart failure
Hepatitis B
An infection that can cause serious liver diseases later in life
Hib
An infectious disease that can lead to serious illnesses including blood poisoning and swelling around the brain
Influenza (flu)
A highly contagious viral infection that can make young children very unwell
Measles
A virus that causes a red, blotchy rash and can lead to serious illnesses like lung infections and swelling around the brain
Meningococcal disease
A disease that can lead to swelling around the brain and blood poisoning
Mumps
A virus that can cause brain infections, infertility and deafness
Pertussis (whooping cough)
A serious bacterial infection of the nose, throat and lungs that can last for months and can be severe or life-threatening for small babies
Pneumococcal disease
A severe bacterial infection that can affect the brain, lungs and ears
Polio
An infection (still common outside Australia) that can affect how you move or control muscles (muscle paralysis)
Rotavirus
A disease that causes diarrhoea, vomiting and fever
Rubella
An infection that can cause a rash and painful, swollen glands and is easily spread from one person to another
Tetanus
An infection that affects all the muscles of the body, including the ones used for breathing
Varicella
An infection that causes fever and itchy red spots that become blisters