
Childhood immunisations are one of the most effective ways to protect our children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
At Southport Metro Medical Centre, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive immunisation services to ensure the health and well-being of your children.
In this blog, we explore the importance of childhood immunisations, the diseases they prevent, and how you can keep your child’s immunisations up to date.
Why Immunisations Matter
Immunisations, also known as vaccinations, are a crucial part of preventive healthcare. They work by stimulating the immune system to recognise and fight specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. This not only protects the vaccinated individual but also contributes to community immunity, reducing the spread of contagious diseases.
Key Benefits of Childhood Immunisations
Disease Prevention: Vaccines protect against a range of serious illnesses, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough.
These diseases can have severe complications, particularly in young children.
Community Protection: High immunisation rates help protect vulnerable populations, such as newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, who cannot be vaccinated themselves.
Global Health Impact: Immunisation programs have significantly reduced the prevalence of diseases worldwide. For example, smallpox has been eradicated, and polio is on the brink of eradication thanks to widespread vaccination efforts.
Cost-Effective Healthcare: Preventing diseases through vaccination reduces healthcare costs associated with treating these illnesses, leading to fewer hospitalisations and long-term health complications.
Diseases Prevented by Childhood Immunisations
Australia’s National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines to children at various stages of their development.
Key diseases prevented by these vaccines include:
Hepatitis B: A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Diphtheria: A bacterial infection affecting the throat and nose, which can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and even death.
Tetanus: A bacterial infection causing painful muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis): A highly contagious respiratory disease known for uncontrollable, violent coughing.
Polio: A viral disease that can cause paralysis and potentially be fatal.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Viral infections that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, and congenital rubella syndrome.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): A bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and other severe infections.
Pneumococcal Disease: A bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Rotavirus: A virus causing severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration in infants and young children.
Chickenpox (Varicella): A highly contagious virus causing an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms.
Keeping Up with Immunisations
It is essential to follow the recommended immunisation schedule to ensure your child receives protection at the right times. The Australian immunisation schedule outlines when each vaccine should be administered, starting from birth and continuing through adolescence.
Birth to 6 Months: Key vaccines include Hepatitis B, DTPa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib, Polio, Pneumococcal, and Rotavirus.
12 to 18 Months: Vaccines include MMR, Meningococcal ACWY, Hib, Hepatitis A, and Chickenpox.
4 Years: Boosters for DTPa, Polio, and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella).
Adolescence: Vaccines include the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal ACWY.
How Southport Metro Medical Centre Can Help
At Southport Metro Medical Centre, we provide comprehensive immunisation services to keep your child on track with their vaccinations.
Our services include:
Vaccination Clinics: Regularly scheduled clinics to administer routine immunisations.
Personalised Immunisation Plans: Tailored schedules for children who may have missed vaccines or need catch-up immunisations.
Educational Resources: Information and support to help you understand the benefits and importance of each vaccine.
Travel Vaccinations: Guidance and immunisations for children travelling to countries where additional vaccines may be required.
Conclusion
Childhood immunisations are a vital part of ensuring your child’s health and protecting the wider community from preventable diseases.
By keeping up with the recommended immunisation schedule, you can provide your child with the best start in life and contribute to the overall health of the Gold Coast community.
At Southport Metro Medical Centre, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and ensuring your child’s immunisations are up to date.
Contact us today to schedule your child’s next vaccination appointment and take a proactive step towards safeguarding their future.
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