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Immunisation
Immunisation is a simple and safe way of protecting children and adults from serious diseases.
Immunisation can be given by injection, or in the case of polio vaccine, by mouth. Diseases that can be prevented by routine childhood immunisation are diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis (polio), measles, mumps, rubella (german measles), Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB) and hepatitis B.
Immunisation is very important as many childhood diseases can spread very quickly and have serious consequences. Some side effects such as a slight fever, sore arm or mild rash may occur following immunisation. More serious side effects are very rare.
What can I do to improve immunisation?
The recommended immunisation timetable for children is set out in the immunisation schedule, which you can print off.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner or contact:
- your local Child Health Centre or Public Health Unit. You will find the number in the Health Services listing in the information pages at the front of your phone book.
- Immunisation Hotline on 1800 671 811
Service providers may obtain additional copies of The Australian Immunisation Handbook 7th Edition by phoning 1800 671 811 and should contact their local Public Health Unit (listed under Health in the white pages) for help with any immunisation queries.
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