The National Immunisation Program Schedule (NIPS) lists all of the immunisations given to you at specific times throughout your life. The NIPS immunisations range from birth through to adulthood. Depending on your previous immunisation history, you might not need to have certain vaccinations. There are some infectious diseases that you could have long term immunity from.
For some diseases, a blood test can be useful or necessary to confirm your immunity levels. If your blood test confirms high immunity levels, your vaccination may be avoided. In circumstances where your immunity or previous vaccinations cannot be confirmed it is, in most cases, safe to have further vaccination.
Infection with seasonal influenza viruses is common. In temperate climates, most cases occur during the winter months. The influenza season in Australia may begin in April and last through September. According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide seasonal influenza epidemics result in about three to five million cases of severe illness. We provide Flu vaccines for all ages and a booster/2 nd dose for our frail/ immunocompromised patients.
Your doctor here can discuss with you what vaccines are required according to your needs.
We can answer any questions you may have about your child’s routine immunisations and the NIPS. Your baby receives their first vaccination at birth. Then with us at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and then at 4 years of age. Adolescents generally receive any vaccinations required via their schools – but catch-up vaccinations can occur at the surgery if required.