Immunisations and Vaccinations Southport Doctors
Vaccinations are an important in offering immunity against harmful infections and diseases
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do vaccinations do?
Vaccinations work to immunise people against certain diseases and viruses. This immunisation helps your body to be prepared to fight the illness if you happen to get sick.
Do vaccinations offer 100% protection?
No vaccine offers 100% immunity. You can still fall ill with the disease or virus you were vaccinated against; however, the vaccination will most likely decrease the severity and save you from fatal consequences.
How long does immunity from vaccines last?
Very few vaccines make you immune for your entire life. Many vaccines you have as a child are for issues that do not pose as serious a risk once you are an adult. Some vaccines are needed yearly like the flu shot or every few years such as tetanus.
How often do I need the flu shot?
The flu strand changes yearly and so the vaccine also changes annually. This means you can have flu shots yearly to help prevent falling ill from the respiratory issue which claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year worldwide.
How do I know which vaccines my child needs?
The Government’s National Immunisation Schedule outlines the vaccinations and recommended times that a child should get.
Who are vaccinations free for?
Vaccinations listed in the National Immunisation Schedule are free for children, teenagers medically at risk, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. Some vaccines such as the influenza vaccination are free for eligible at-risk patients, such as pregnant women or elderly people.
Why should my child be immunised?
Your child should be immunised to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and infections. Unvaccinated children pose a health risk to the community.
Can my child be refused entry to childcare or schools?
If your child is not vaccinated, he or she will be unable to attend childcare in Australia. Schools also have the right to refuse admission. Schools will actively promote the importance of vaccinations.
Can vaccinations harm my baby?
Babies have strong immune systems, and they can handle far more germs than what vaccines give. The risks of vaccinations are low and serious reactions are very rare. The rarity of these serious reactions should not even be compared to life threatening diseases vaccinations help prevent.
Do immunisations cause autism?
No, many studies have been undertaken and found no link between vaccines and autism.
Side effects of vaccinations
The only side effects are usually soreness, including possible swelling, redness and a burning sensation at insertion site. You may experience tiredness or mild fever one or two days after. However, for live vaccines, side effects may take up to seven to ten days.
Extreme side effects are very rare. If side effects such as full arm swelling or bodily issues occur, please contact your GP for advice.
Why does my child need vaccines for diseases that are eliminated?
Even if a disease is eliminated within Australia, it may still be a major health risk in other parts of the world. So, vaccinating your child is the safest option.
Which vaccines do I need for travelling?
Vaccinations for travelling depend on your location of travel, age and health. Speak to your GP or travel health worker for information.