When Should I Vaccinate My Puppy in Australia?
A complete vaccination schedule — what's needed, when, and how much it costs across Australia.
Puppies need their first vaccination at 6–8 weeks, with boosters at 10 and 16 weeks.
Core vaccines cover Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus — all potentially fatal without protection.
Expect to pay $80–$150 per vaccination visit at an Australian vet clinic.
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.
The Australian puppy vaccination schedule
| 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 |
The immunity gap
Puppies receive maternal antibodies through their mother's milk that can interfere with vaccines. This is why the 3-dose series is essential — no single vaccination guarantees protection. Until the 16-week vaccine is given, avoid high-risk areas like dog parks and pet stores.
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.
| 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) |
Kennel Cough (C5)
If your dog will visit kennels, dog parks, or training classes, ask your vet about the C5 vaccine. Most boarding facilities in Australia require C5 vaccination within the past 12 months. It needs to be given at least 2 weeks before exposure to be effective.
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.
| 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 |
Keeping records between visits
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.
Pet Health Record Book
Track all vaccinations, vet visits, medications, and microchip details in one place. Especially useful when switching vets or travelling interstate.
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.
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.
Vet's note
This article is for informational purposes only. Vaccination protocols can vary based on your puppy's individual health, breed, and risk factors. Always consult your vet to confirm the right schedule for your dog.