As parents, we all want the very best for our children. One of the most important ways we can protect them from serious illnesses is by ensuring their vaccinations are up to date. At Southern Medical Centre, serving Moss Vale, Bundanoon, and the surrounding areas including Bowral and Mittagong, we understand the importance of immunisation and are here to answer your questions and support you in keeping your children healthy.
Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to build immunity to a range of potentially serious diseases. They work by introducing a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria to the body, prompting the immune system to develop antibodies that will fight off the real infection if encountered in the future. This protection not only safeguards the individual child but also contributes to herd immunity, protecting the wider community, including those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.
Why are Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations have been instrumental in eradicating or significantly reducing the incidence of many devastating diseases, such as polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can cause serious complications, including disability and even death. While some may believe these diseases are a thing of the past, they can still resurface if vaccination rates decline. We’ve seen recent outbreaks of measles in various parts of the world, highlighting the ongoing importance of maintaining high immunisation coverage.
The Australian National Immunisation Schedule
The Australian National Immunisation Schedule provides a series of vaccinations recommended for children from birth through to adolescence. This schedule is carefully designed by experts to provide the best protection at the most appropriate ages. Following the schedule ensures your child receives the right vaccines at the right time, maximising their protection against preventable diseases. You can find the most up-to-date schedule on the Australian Department of Health website or discuss it with your doctor at Southern Medical Centre.
What Vaccines are Recommended?
The National Immunisation Schedule covers a range of diseases, including:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough): These diseases can cause severe respiratory problems.
- Polio: A debilitating disease that can cause paralysis.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): These viral illnesses can lead to serious complications.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): A bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and other serious infections.
- Pneumococcal Disease: Can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other invasive infections.
- Rotavirus: A common cause of severe diarrhoea in infants.
- Chickenpox (Varicella): A highly contagious viral infection.
- Hepatitis B: A viral infection that can damage the liver.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Protects against certain cancers and genital warts.
- Meningococcal ACWY: Protects against meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially life-threatening infection.
Addressing Common Concerns
We understand that parents may have questions or concerns about vaccinations. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your doctor. At Southern Medical Centre, we are committed to providing you with accurate and evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions about your child’s health. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have, including potential side effects, which are generally mild and short-lived. The risks associated with contracting the diseases far outweigh the risks associated with vaccination.
Keeping Up to Date
Keeping track of your child’s vaccinations can be challenging. We can help! At Southern Medical Centre, we maintain accurate records of your child’s immunisation history. We can also send you reminders when vaccinations are due. We encourage all families in Moss Vale, Bundanoon, Bowral, Mittagong and surrounds to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
Contact Southern Medical Centre
At Southern Medical Centre, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to families in our community. We believe that vaccination is a vital part of preventative healthcare and plays a crucial role in protecting children from preventable diseases. If you have any questions about vaccinations or need to schedule an appointment for your child’s immunisations, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you in keeping your children healthy and our community safe. Contact us today to book an appointment.