What You Need To Know About Childhood Immunisations

May 11, 2018 /

Written by Karli Steenkamp 

Childhood Immunisations may be one of those things that you might not have thought of yet. You were probably preoccupied with birth, nurseries and all the exciting things of becoming a parent. It can be daunting for a first time parent to think about immunisations, because you might not know all the facts about immunisations and it can be scary to let your child go through that. The benefits of the vaccines outshine the few seconds your baby might cry because of the prick of a needle. Vaccinations save about 3 million people per year worldwide. 

Why is it important to vaccinate your child? 

It is the best way of protecting your child against diseases. There is a possibility that these diseases can cause damage to a child that can be permanent or even cause death. The more people that gets vaccinated the less chance there are for diseases to spread. It also protects vulnerable people like the aged, pregnant women and babies with weakened immune systems.   

To enroll your child at a school or receive benefits like Medicare and Family benefits, it is important that your child’s immunisation records are up to date.  

What are vaccinations? 

Vaccinations are usually given through a needle in the arm or leg or drops in the mouth. It all depends on the type of vaccine and the age or size of a child. 

Vaccines contain weakened or killed germs to help make your immune system stronger.  If your body gets into contact with the particular disease your immune system recognizes it and knows it should start fighting. 

These vaccines have been through strict testing and are safe.  

Being vaccinated doesn’t mean you won’t ever get the disease, but if you do it will not be as severe and you should heal faster than people that weren’t vaccinated.  

Are there side effects to vaccinations? 

Most children have very little side effects to vaccinations. The injected spot might be red for a while and your child might have a mild fever. For a day or two a child might not feel quite like his or her self. A parecetomal can be giving to make them feel a little better. Some kids have no side-effects. 

When do children get vaccinated? 

Children usually get their first injection not long after being born. Thereafter the next injections are at two months, four months, six months, twelve months, eighteen months, four years and then between ten and fifteen years. It is important to keep track of these timelines so that your child doesn’t miss a vaccination. 

What injections does your child need? 

The AIR (Australian Immunisation Register) keeps track of everyone’s vaccinations. You can ask them for a copy of this if it is needed for enrolling your child into a school. 

The National Immunisation Program Schedule covers the following: 

  • Hepatitis A & B 
  • Whooping cough 
  • Diphteria 
  • Polio 
  • Tetanus 
  • Rotavirus 
  • Measles & German Measles (Rubella) 
  • Mumps 
  • Chicken pox 
  • Pneumophilus disease 
  • Haemophilus influenza type B 
  • Meningcoccal C 
  • Human Papillo Mavirus 

Many injections are combined, so they are given together. These vaccinations are entirely free to you as it is subsidized by the government. If you are travelling it is important to seek advice if any immunisations are needed for the country you are going to. Different countries have different diseases. You have to inform the AIR, so that they can add these immunisations to your child’s records if it was done outside of Australia.  

Immunisations don’t have to be an overwhelming thought. Your doctor or immunisation provider will answer all your questions and concerns. They are trained to do the vaccines as fast and painless as possible and as soon as your child is distracted after the injection, the memory of the injection will be something of the past. Vaccinating helps them stay healthy and help their bodies to fight diseases. It helps them in ways they can’t understand yet, but as the saying goes ‘no pain, no gain’. If you need any information regarding immunisations you can phone The National Immunisation Program Info line at 1800 671 811. 

Reference: 

Better Health
Australian Government – Department of Human Services
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