When it comes to your child’s health, prevention is always better than cure and that’s what immunisations are designed to do. Vaccines protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. They also help stop the spread of illness in the wider community. That’s why routine childhood immunisations are still one of the most important steps you can take to give your child a healthy start in life.
What are Childhood Immunisations?
Immunisations involve giving your child a vaccine to help protect them against specific diseases. These vaccines train their immune system to recognise and fight infections before they potentially become more serious.
In Australia, the National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides vaccines for children at set ages. These include protection against numerous diseases including:
– Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
– Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis (Whooping Cough)
– Hepatitis A
– Hepatitis B
– Polio
– Rotavirus
– Pneumococcal disease
– Meningococcal disease
– Chickenpox
– Influenza
Your GP will guide you through the vaccination schedule which starts from birth and continues into adolescence.
Why Vaccination Matters
Even though we don’t often hear about some of these diseases today, that’s largely because vaccines have worked so well. However, they haven’t disappeared. In fact, diseases like measles can return if immunization rates drop.
Here’s why childhood immunisations remain essential:
– They protect your child from preventable diseases that could cause long-term complications
– They protect others in the community, especially babies, older adults and people with compromised immune systems who can’t be vaccinated
– They are safe and well-tested, with risks far outweighed by the benefits
– They are required for childcare and school enrolment in many Australian states, including Western Australia under the “No Jab, No Play” policies
What to Expect at the Appointment
At Mt Pleasant Medical & Dental, our friendly GPs and nurses make the immunisation process as comfortable as possible for both parents and children.
During the appointment, we will:
• Review your child’s vaccination schedule
• Answer any and all questions that you have
• Administer the vaccine in a safe, calm setting
• Monitor your child briefly afterwards for any immediate reactions (which are rare and usually mild)
Mild side effects like redness at the injection site or low-grade fever may occur, but these are short-lived and expected.
Keep the Schedule on Track
Your child’s immune system develops over time, so it’s important to follow the schedule and not delay doses. If you’ve missed any though, don’t worry as catch-up immunisations can be arranged.
A Healthier Future Starts Today
Immunising your child is a simple, proven way to protect them and you community from dangerous diseases. It’s a small step with a lifelong impact. At Mt Pleasant Medical & Dental, we are here to help you stay informed, stay on schedule and keep your family healthy one vaccine at a time.
