Week 2: Puppy vaccinations in Australia: Everything you need to know

This post is part of our Bringing home your new puppy: What to expect series.

Jump to any chapter:

• Week 1: First-time pet parent guide
• Week 2: Puppy vaccinations (you are here)
• Week 3: Preparing for training
• Week 4: Puppy sleep troubles
• Week 5: Nutrition and growth
• Week 6: Behavioural challenges
• Week 7: Socialisation checklist

Vaccinations are one of the most important things you can do for your new puppy’s health — and one of the easiest, once you know what to expect.

If you’ve just brought your pup home, the vaccination schedule might feel a bit confusing at first. Multiple visits, different jabs at different ages, and a lot of new terms being thrown around at the vet. Don’t worry — by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what your puppy needs, when they need it, and why.

 
On this page:

• Why are puppy vaccinations so important?
• Core vs non-core vaccines: What’s the difference?
• The Australian puppy vaccination schedule
• What happens at a vaccination appointment?
• What to watch for after vaccination
• When can my puppy meet other dogs?
• How much do puppy vaccinations cost in Australia?
• What’s next?

Why are puppy vaccinations so important?

When puppies are born, they receive some immunity from their mother through her milk. But this protection fades quickly — usually by 6 to 16 weeks of age. Once that maternal immunity drops, your puppy becomes vulnerable to a range of serious, and sometimes fatal, diseases.

Vaccinations work by training your puppy’s immune system to recognise and fight specific diseases, without them having to actually get sick. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your pup’s health long-term.

Core vs non-core vaccines: What’s the difference?

In Australia, puppy vaccines are divided into two categories:

Core vaccines

These are recommended for every puppy in Australia, regardless of lifestyle or location. They protect against the most serious and widespread diseases:

• Canine Distemper: A serious viral illness affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
• Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis): A viral liver disease that can be severe or fatal.
• Canine Parvovirus: A highly contagious and often fatal disease, particularly dangerous in young puppies. Parvovirus can survive in soil for years, so even homebodies need this one.

These three are often combined into what vets call the C3 vaccine.

Non-core vaccines

These are recommended based on your puppy’s lifestyle, environment, and risk level. Your vet will advise whether your puppy needs any of these:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica & Parainfluenza (Kennel Cough): Highly recommended if your dog will be in kennels, dog parks, or puppy classes.
• Leptospirosis: Recommended in areas where the disease is prevalent.
• Canine Coronavirus: Sometimes recommended in high-risk areas.

The C5 vaccine covers the C3 core vaccines plus Bordetella and Parainfluenza — making it the most commonly recommended option for sociable dogs in Australia.

The Australian puppy vaccination schedule

Here’s a general guide to when your puppy will need their vaccines. Note that timing can vary slightly depending on your vet and your puppy’s individual circumstances — always follow your vet’s specific advice.

Important: if your puppy came from a breeder, they may have already had their first C3 at 6–8 weeks. Always ask for documentation and share this with your vet at your first appointment.

What happens at a vaccination appointment?

Vet appointments for vaccinations are usually quick and straightforward — and a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about your puppy’s health.

Your vet will typically:

• Do a general health check (eyes, ears, heart, teeth, weight)
• Administer the vaccine as a small injection, usually at the back of the neck
• Record the vaccination in your puppy’s health record
• Advise you on when the next appointment is due

The injection itself is very quick, and most puppies handle it well. You might notice a little tenderness at the injection site or your puppy seeming a bit sleepy afterwards — this is normal and usually passes within 24 hours.

What to watch for after vaccination

Mild side effects are common and nothing to worry about:

• Sleepiness or lethargy for 24–48 hours
• Mild swelling at the injection site
• Reduced appetite on the day

However, call your vet straight away if you notice any of the following:

• Facial swelling or hives
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or extreme weakness

Serious allergic reactions are rare but can happen, which is why it’s always best to keep an eye on your puppy for a couple of hours after their jab.

When can my puppy meet other dogs?

This is one of the most common questions new puppy owners ask — and the honest answer is: it depends.

Until your puppy’s vaccination course is complete (usually around 16 weeks), their immunity isn’t fully established. During this time, it’s best to avoid areas where unvaccinated dogs may have been, such as dog parks, pet shops, and beaches.

That said, socialisation during this period is really important for your puppy’s development. The good news is there are still safe ways to do it:

• Puppy preschool classes — these are run in controlled, vaccinated environments and are a brilliant option
• Visiting dogs you know are up to date with their vaccinations
• Carrying your puppy in areas where dogs roam freely

Talk to your vet about what’s safe for your specific puppy’s situation — they’ll give you the best guidance based on local disease risk in your area.

How much do puppy vaccinations cost in Australia?

Vaccination costs vary depending on your location, your vet, and the type of vaccine. As a general guide:

• Initial puppy vaccination course (3 visits): $150–$300 in total
• Annual booster: $80–$150

These costs can add up alongside other new puppy expenses, which is one of the reasons pet insurance is worth considering early. Some Petcover policies can help with vet visit costs — visit petcovergroup.com/au for details.

What’s next?

Now that your puppy is on track with their vaccinations, it’s time to start thinking about training. Week 3 of our series covers everything from housebreaking to basic commands, and why starting early makes all the difference.

This post is part of our Bringing home your new puppy: What to expect series.

Jump to any chapter:

• Week 1: First-time pet parent guide
• Week 2: Puppy vaccinations (you are here)
• Week 3: Preparing for training
• Week 4: Puppy sleep troubles
• Week 5: Nutrition and growth
• Week 6: Behavioural challenges
• Week 7: Socialisation checklist