Health guide
When Should I Vaccinate My Puppy in Australia?
A complete vaccination schedule — what's needed, when, and how much it costs across Australia.
6 min read
The quick answer
- 1Puppies need their first vaccination at 6–8 weeks, with boosters at 10 and 16 weeks.
- 2Core vaccines cover Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus — all potentially fatal without protection.
- 3Expect to pay $80–$150 per vaccination visit at an Australian vet clinic.
When to see a vet
Parvovirus kills unvaccinated puppies within days. It's highly contagious, lives in soil for years, and is widespread across Australia. Vaccination is the single most important thing you can do in your puppy's first months — and the timing matters more than most new owners realise.
Part 1
The Australian puppy vaccination schedule
6–8 weeks
- Vaccine
- Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (C3)
- Type
- Core
10–12 weeks
- Vaccine
- C3 booster + optional Bordetella
- Type
- Core + Non-core
14–16 weeks
- Vaccine
- Final puppy C3 booster
- Type
- Core
12–16 months
- Vaccine
- First adult booster
- Type
- Core
Every 3 years
- Vaccine
- C3 booster (adult)
- Type
- Core
| Age | Vaccine | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus (C3) | Core |
| 10–12 weeks | C3 booster + optional Bordetella | Core + Non-core |
| 14–16 weeks | Final puppy C3 booster | Core |
| 12–16 months | First adult booster | Core |
| Every 3 years | C3 booster (adult) | Core |
Part 2
Core vs non-core vaccines in Australia
Core vaccines are recommended for every dog regardless of lifestyle. Non-core vaccines depend on your dog's risk profile — where they live, whether they visit kennels, and their exposure to other dogs.
C3 (DHP)
- Type
- Core
- Protects against
- Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus
C5 (C3 + KC)
- Type
- Recommended
- Protects against
- Above + Kennel Cough (2 strains)
C7
- Type
- Non-core
- Protects against
- Above + Leptospirosis + Coronavirus
Rabies
- Type
- Required for travel
- Protects against
- Rabies (not present in AU)
| Vaccine | Type | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| C3 (DHP) | Core | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus |
| C5 (C3 + KC) | Recommended | Above + Kennel Cough (2 strains) |
| C7 | Non-core | Above + Leptospirosis + Coronavirus |
| Rabies | Required for travel | Rabies (not present in AU) |
Part 3
How much do puppy vaccinations cost in Australia?
Vaccination costs vary significantly by state and clinic type. Metropolitan areas generally cost more than regional clinics. Budget vet chains like VetShop and vaccination clinics at pet stores offer lower prices but fewer services.
First puppy vaccination (6–8 weeks)
- Estimated cost (AUD)
- $80–$150
Second vaccination (10–12 weeks)
- Estimated cost (AUD)
- $80–$150
Third vaccination (14–16 weeks)
- Estimated cost (AUD)
- $80–$150
Full puppy series (3 visits)
- Estimated cost (AUD)
- $240–$450
Annual adult booster
- Estimated cost (AUD)
- $60–$120
| Visit | Estimated cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| First puppy vaccination (6–8 weeks) | $80–$150 |
| Second vaccination (10–12 weeks) | $80–$150 |
| Third vaccination (14–16 weeks) | $80–$150 |
| Full puppy series (3 visits) | $240–$450 |
| Annual adult booster | $60–$120 |
Part 4
Keeping records between visits
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Australian vets will give you a vaccination certificate, but having your own pet health record book makes it easy to track vaccines, worming, flea treatments and vet notes in one place — especially useful when changing vets or travelling interstate.
Highly rated
Pet Health Record Book
Track all vaccinations, vet visits, medications, and microchip details in one place. Especially useful when switching vets or travelling interstate.
- Dedicated pages for vaccines, worming, and flea treatments
- Pocket-sized — easy to bring to every vet visit
- Great for multi-pet households
Vet visit essential
Soft-Sided Puppy Carrier Bag
Keeps your puppy safely off the ground during vet visits before vaccinations are complete. Prevents contact with high-risk surfaces in waiting rooms.
- Keeps puppy off high-risk surfaces before full vaccination
- Mesh windows for ventilation and visibility
- Airline-approved sizing available
Part 5
After vaccination — what to expect
Most puppies experience mild side effects for 24–48 hours after vaccination — lethargy, mild fever, and soreness at the injection site are all normal. Serious reactions are rare but can include facial swelling, vomiting, or breathing difficulty. If you notice these within an hour of vaccination, contact your vet immediately.
Common questions
Can my puppy go outside before vaccinations are complete?
Yes, but carefully. Avoid high-risk areas like dog parks, pet stores, and any ground where unknown dogs have been. Carrying your puppy, visiting vaccinated dogs in private yards, and puppy socialisation classes held indoors on clean surfaces are generally considered safe.
What happens if I miss a vaccination?
If the gap between doses is too long, your vet may recommend restarting the series. Contact your vet if you've missed a scheduled vaccination — don't just wait for the next appointment.
Do adult dogs need annual vaccines in Australia?
Australian vaccination guidelines now recommend C3 boosters every 3 years for adult dogs rather than annually, though C5 (kennel cough) is still recommended yearly for at-risk dogs. Your vet will advise based on your dog's lifestyle.
Is Parvovirus common in Australia?
Yes. Parvovirus outbreaks occur regularly across Australia, particularly in urban areas and regions with lower vaccination rates. It can survive in soil for up to 7 years and is resistant to most household disinfectants.