In Australia, we follow the National Immunisation Program for all childhood vaccinations. Click here to see the full immunisation schedule. Our friendly, trained, immunisation Nurses will happily answer any questions you may have. We aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both you and your child. See below for additional vaccinations available to your child. These vaccines may incur a private fee as they are not all covered by the national immunisation program.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and life-threatening, infection. It is caused by strains of the bacteria called Neisseria Meningitidis. It can affect people of any age, however, infants and young children (under the age of 2), teenagers (aged 15-19) and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders (under 19 years) have a slightly higher risk of infection.
In Australia, there are vaccines available against Meningococcal ACWY & B strains. Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine is offered to all children at their scheduled 12 month immunisations, and to young adults in year 10.
Meningococcal B Vaccination is currently not on the immunisation schedule in Victoria unless certain criteria is met**, but is available at a private cost to any child over the age of 6 weeks. They can have this with their routine scheduled immunisations from 6 weeks of age.
The number of doses required depends of the age which the vaccination is commenced – usually 2 or 3 doses.
Like all vaccines, BEXSERO can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. When BEXSERO is given to you or your child, the most common side effects that you may get are:
• pain/ redness/ swelling at the injection site
• lump/ hardness of skin at injection (which goes away naturally)
• fever (38°C or higher)
It is not usually recommended to give paracetamol routinely for childhood immunisations, however it is recommended to give paracetamol 30 minutes before every dose of meningococcal B vaccine given to children under two years of age. Follow this with two more doses of paracetamol given 6 hours apart, even if the children do not have a fever. Please speak with your immunisation Nurse or GP if you have any concerns.
**Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Infants and children are eligible for free Meningococcal b vaccination if aged under 2 years of age
Chickenpox Vaccine
The chickenpox vaccine is given at 18 months to children as part of the National Immunisation Program. It is recommend to have a booster dose to increase protection to roughly 95% (87% effective after 1 chickenpox vaccination). Occasionally we see outbreaks of chicken pox at schools and daycares, and children who have two vaccinations have a lower risk of contracting the disease. This booster dose can be given at any time after 12 months of age. There is an out of pocket cost of approx. $60 for the booster dose.
Seasonal Influenza (flu)Vaccination
Influenza (also called flu) is a very contagious infection of the airways. It affects people of all ages but is especially serious for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions. It can require hospitalisation and can cause death.
Influenza in kids can be serious. Children under 5 years of age are at a higher risk of complications and hospitalisation from influenza. The best way to protect them is with an influenza vaccine – which is safe, effective and free for children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Influenza vaccination generally starts in April.
Contact Geelong West Medical Centre to book in your children’s immunisations today!
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