Paediatric Vaccinations

VACCINATIONS

Vaccines reduce the risk of disease by working with your body’s natural defences to build protection. When you receive a vaccine, your immune system responds by developing immunity without you having to experience the illness itself.

Today, we have vaccines to protect against more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections. Immunisation currently prevents an estimated 3.5 to 5 million deaths worldwide each year from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and measles.

We understand that the number and timing of vaccinations can feel overwhelming for parents. There is also a large amount of information, and misinformation, available online. Our team is here to provide you with clear, evidence-based advice and the opportunity to ask questions, so you can make safe and informed decisions for your family.

Routine childhood immunisation schedule (Western Australia)

The routine immunisation schedule in Western Australia is:

6–8 weeks
4 months
6 months
12 months
18 months
4 years

For more information on this schedule, please click here.

Individual vaccination needs

Your baby or family may not fit the routine schedule and may require an individualised vaccination plan or a consultation with one of our doctors. This may be recommended if you or your child:

Have a fever higher than 38.5°C on the day of vaccination
Are receiving medical treatment such as chemotherapy
Have specific allergies or have had a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine
Are an organ transplant recipient
Have an autoimmune condition
Are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding

If your child is unwell, particularly with a significant illness or a fever above 38.5°C, vaccination should be postponed until they have recovered.

Additional considerations

Vaccination schedules may also be affected by individual circumstances, including:

Overseas travel with babies or children
Remote or regional work
Employment as a healthcare professional

There are additional vaccines recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as optional vaccines available for those who choose, including:

Meningococcal
Influenza

International immunisation schedules, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO), may also be relevant in some circumstances. Click here for more information.

All vaccinations at our clinic are administered under the supervision of a doctor, who is available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Paediatric Vaccine Costs

Routine childhood vaccinations are free.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides routine vaccinations at no cost for eligible people. Infants, children, adolescents and adults who have, or are eligible to have, a Medicare card can receive these free vaccinations.

You can check the National Immunisation Program Schedule to see which vaccines you or your family are eligible to receive for free, and when they are recommended.

To find out which vaccines are recommended for you and when you should receive them, visit:
health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/getting-vaccinated

All immunisations that are linked to family assistance payments are provided free of charge.

Free catch-up vaccinations

Free catch-up vaccinations are available for children, adolescents and adults who may have missed vaccines or are not fully immunised according to the recommended schedule. Catch-up vaccinations help ensure you or your child are protected as soon as possible and meet immunisation requirements for childcare, school and family assistance payments.

Our doctors can review your immunisation history and advise on an appropriate catch-up schedule if required.

Additional vaccinations

Some vaccinations are not funded under the National Immunisation Program and may incur a cost. These vaccines may also require a prescription from your doctor.

Examples include:

Meningococcal B (Bexsero)
Meningococcal ACWY (Nimenrix)

Our team can discuss whether additional vaccinations are recommended for you or your child, based on age, health conditions, lifestyle, travel or work-related factors.

During Your Vaccine Visit

During your appointment, the following will occur:

A brief pre-screening series of questions will be asked to ensure it is safe for you or your child to receive the vaccination
Written consent will be obtained prior to vaccination
Some vaccines require paracetamol (Panadol) to be given before vaccination (for example, Bexsero). For other vaccines, we recommend having paracetamol or ibuprofen (Nurofen) available at home if needed after the appointment
The way vaccines are administered depends on the type of vaccine and your child’s age and size. In babies, vaccines are usually given in the legs. Once children are weight-bearing or walking, vaccines are typically given in the arms

Our team will explain each step on the day and is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Side Effects After Immunisation

Most vaccines are very safe and side effects are usually mild and short-lived. For more detailed information, please visit:
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/getting-vaccinated?language=und#side-effects-after-immunisation

All patients are monitored in the clinic for 15 minutes after vaccination to ensure there are no immediate side effects.

Common reactions after vaccination may include:

Mild pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Temporary irritability or tiredness

These reactions are normal, usually short-lasting, and do not require any special treatment.

There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with any vaccine. This is rare, and our clinic is fully equipped to recognise and manage this immediately should it occur.

If you have any concerns after leaving the clinic, or if symptoms seem severe or persistent, please contact us or seek medical advice.

Recording Your Vaccinations

After your appointment, your vaccination provider will record the details of the vaccine administered on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
You can find out how to access your immunisation records here.

Keeping your immunisation records up to date is important, as they are used to confirm eligibility for certain state and federal family assistance payments, as well as enrolment in early childhood education and care services.

If applicable, please also bring your child’s purple child health book, which is provided at birth, so we can record the vaccination details there as well.

VACCINATIONS