Page 1050 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019

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conditions that a medical condition that increase their risk of influenza. It is also funded through the ACT Government Immunisation Program for infants and children 6 months to five years. Annual vaccination before the onset of each influenza season is recommended. Vaccination can continue to be offered as long as a valid vaccine (before expiration date) is available.

The adolescent vaccination program offers vaccine to children in year 7 (Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and Diphtheria, Tetanus and pertussis vaccine (dTpa)) and in year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY vaccine).

(3) As of 19 February 2019, a number of immunisation appointments were available with varying wait times across Canberra Health Services, Child Health clinics and Child and Family Centres. Wait times range from a 2 to 30 day wait. Emergency immunisation appointments are available at a clinician’s discretion.

(4) Immunisation is promoted through the childbirth education program within Maternity Services and through the MACH universal first home visit.

Immunisation information and the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule of vaccines is included in the Personal Health Record (Blue Book), which includes a fridge magnet with the recommended ages (from six weeks to four years), the disease covered, and the type of vaccines. The Personal Health Record also informs families how to book their immunisations through Community Health Intake (CHI) and provides links to the Department of Health Immunise Australia website - https://beta.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation for further information.

At immunisation, consent is gained from the parent/carer after the risks and benefits are outlined by the immunisation provider. Following immunisation parents and carers are provided a leaflet “After Your Child is Immunised” to inform them what to expect and when to seek medical review.

(5) Canberra Health Services do not report on children who did not receive their immunisations within the recommended timeframes.

Clients are reminded of immunisation via SMS or telephone, and the child’s immunisation status is checked at the Key Developmental checks. Clients are able to make an appointment for “Catch up” vaccination, through CHI, if their child is behind.

(6) For the best protection, vaccinations need to occur on time. ‘On time’ means on (or as close as possible to) the due date in accordance with the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. To be fully protected, children may require a full course (often more than 1 dose) of vaccines at different schedule points on the NIP schedule.

A child is not fully protected if their vaccination is overdue, even if they have been up-to-date in the past.

Not being fully vaccinated can mean that the child is susceptible to contracting a vaccine preventable disease (VPD). The medical consequences of contracting a VPD, dependent on the disease, can include; illness, hospitalisation, chronic health problems, lifelong disability or even death.


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