Maternity Immunisation Allowance

Maternity Immunisation Allowance is a payment to encourage all parents to immunise their children.

You may receive Maternity Immunisation Allowance if:

• you care for your child at least 35% of the time
• your child is less than five years old and is fully immunised
• your child was adopted from outside Australia and entered Australia before 16 years of age

The allowance is non-income tested.

You are usually paid Maternity Immunisation Allowance in two separate amounts. You will be paid the first amount if you have your child fully immunised between 18 months and two years of age. You will be paid the second amount if you have your child fully immunised between four and five years of age.

What does fully immunised mean?

Your child is fully immunised when they are up-to-date with the standard vaccination schedule for their age or are on a suitable catch-up program. Ask your doctor or immunisation provider for details of your child’s vaccination schedule.

Immunisation exemptions

If you have a conscientious objection to immunisation or if there are medical reasons why your child should not be immunised you may get an exemption. You can talk to a Family Assistance Office about this.