Immunisation
Immunisation protects individuals and others in the community by increasing the general level of immunity and minimising the spread of infection. It uses the body's natural defence mechanism - the immune response - to build resistance to specific infections.
Thirteen diseases can be prevented by routine childhood immunisation:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Poliomyelitis (Polio)
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (German Measles)
- Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal C
- Pneumococcal
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Rotavirus
All of these diseases can cause serious complications and sometimes death.
Immunisation is generally given as an injection, although Rotavirus is an oral vaccine.
Immunisation sessions are at various times and locations throughout the City of Stonnington - see the Immunisation Timetable for details.
Free childhood vaccinations as recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council Immunisation Program and some user pay vaccines that are not currently funded by the Australian Government are available at the immunisation sessions.
To be eligible for these free childhood vaccinations the Government criteria for immunisation is that you either:
- Hold a Medicare Card or eligible to hold a Medicare Card;
- Hold an Australian Citizenship; or
- Hold a permanent visa or have applied for a permanent visa.
It is recommended by the Department of Health that everyone receiving a vaccination be observed for 15 minutes afterwards.