My Clinic / Skin Clinic
Dr James Kang

Vaccinations

What Are Children's Immunisation & Vaccinations?

Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material (the inactivated germ or a part of it) that boosts up your immunity to a disease. It is considered to be the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases.

Vaccines stimulate the immune system and make the immune system ready to fight against the disease.

The immunizations can be made more effective with periodic repeat injections or “boosters”. It increases our ability to fight diseases that may be contagious or even fatal. Vaccinations are important for adults as well as for children.

What Are Common Immunisation & Vaccinations?

  • Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
  • Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine
  • Poliovirus Vaccine
  • Influenza Vaccine
  • Measles, Mumps, and German Measles/Rubella vaccine
  • Varicella Vaccine
  • Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • Rotavirus Vaccine
  • Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Are Immunisation & Vaccinations Safe?

Vaccines containing dead or inactivated germs when introduced into the body the immune system react to the vaccine by making antibodies. These antibodies help protect from disease when similar germs invade the body in future.

Infectious diseases are contagious and spread from one person to another. Vaccinating large population may avoid the spread of disease in a community and with the time the disease can be eradicated from the society.

Recommended Immunisation & Vaccinations

The current National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule started on 1 July 2007 and outlines the recommended vaccines by age group which are funded by the Immunise Australia Program. States and Territories may choose whatever combination of vaccines from those listed on the Health Act (1953) Determination 2009 (Immunisation Program – Designated Vaccines) as best suits the needs of geographic and demographic conditions.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B virus targets the liver and hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) can prevent your child from developing chronic liver disease or liver cancer in future. It is administered three times, the first dose is given within a short period after birth for all infants before hospital discharge; the second and third are usually given at 1 to 2 months and 6 to 18 months of age.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

The Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) offers protection against infections such as meningitis, blood infections, and pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. PCV immunizations are given as a series of four injections at ages of 2- , 4- , 6- months and last dose between 12 and 15 months.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP vaccine) is a combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The DTaP is scheduled as a series of 5 injections at ages 2- , 4- , 6- months, between 15 and 18 months, and the last dose between 4 and 6 years. After these initial shots, a booster dose of the vaccine Tdap must be administered between 11 and 12 years or to the older teens and adults those who have not received a booster with pertussis coverage. Booster doses of Td (tetanus and diphtheria) should be given every 10 years thereafter.

Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine

Hemophilus influenza type B (Hib) disease is a serious condition caused by Haemophilus influenza Type B bacteria. The Hib vaccine is given at ages 2- , 4- , and 6- months and a booster dose is given between 12 and 15 months. It provides long term protection from Hemophilus influenza type b infections.

Poliovirus Vaccine

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is administered to protect your child from polio. Poliomyelitis or polio is a disease caused by polioviruses that can damage the nervous system, cause paralysis and can lead to death. Poliovirus vaccine is usually given at four doses at age 2 months, 4 months, between 6 and 18 months and between 4 and 6 years.

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza, commonly called as flu is a contagious respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months and above. Influenza vaccines were administered during the outbreak of H1N1 flu.

Measles, Mumps, and German Measles/Rubella Vaccine

The measles, mumps, and German Measles/rubella (MMR) vaccine protect against measles, mumps and German Measles/rubella. The MMR vaccines are injected as two doses, the first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second dose between 4 and 6 years.

Varicella Vaccine

Varicella vaccine protects against chicken pox, one of the common and a highly contagious childhood viral disease. The vaccine is recommended in children between 12 and 15 months, followed by a booster dose between 4 and 6 years for further protection.

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is a vaccine used to protect infants and young children against meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection caused by meningococcal bacteria. It is usually given between the age of 11 and 12 years.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A infection causes flu-like symptoms. The vaccine is given at two doses, first dose at 12 months and the second dose at 18 months.

Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea among infants and young children. The vaccine which is a liquid given by mouth in a three-dose, first dose at 3 months, the second dose at 4 months, and the third dose at 6 months. The third dose must be given before 32 weeks of age.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Human (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and precancerous changes in the uterine cervix leading to cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended in a three-dose schedule over a 6 month period; in girls, the vaccine is recommended between 11 and 12 years and also in older girls who were not vaccinated before. The vaccine is recommended for boys between 9 and 18 years to prevent the development of genital warts.

Side Effects

Some vaccines may cause mild temporary side effects such as fever and soreness or swelling and redness at the site of injection. Serious reactions are rare and if any serious reactions are observed consult your pediatrician immediately. Your pediatrician may discuss with you all the possible risks and benefits of immunization.

Travel Medicine & Vaccinations

Travel (for travel advice/vaccinations) and Immunisation Clinic
  • Travel Consultations
  • Travel Medicine Appointments
  • Recommended Vaccinations
  • Vaccination Schedule
  • Common Travel Illness

Travel Consultations

Travelling can be safe and enjoyable if you take the time to plan ahead. You should make an appointment and discuss your travel plans with our doctors. 

It is important to see us 4-6 weeks prior to departure as the vaccinations may take several weeks to be effective and some require multiple doses.

At your appointment, we provide a comprehensive travel medical consultation and provide you with information covering:
  • A travel health plan with prescriptions for required vaccinations
  • Preventive medications for specific destinations
  • Counselling to reduce your risk of illness (jet lag, DVT)
  • Simple food and water precautions and high-risk activities.
  • Resources in case of emergency.

Pre-Existing Medical Problems

More people want to travel in their later years and may have pre-existing medical conditions that require special consideration particularly with regard to the safety of vaccines and their own medical history.

Travel consultation also assists in workplace wellness, preventive, and executive healthcare programs to reduce healthcare costs.

Travel Medicine Appointments

Most travellers will require a Standard Travel Appointment.

The doctor may need to order blood tests or review past immunisation records in order to recommend the most appropriate vaccination schedule. 

Please bring all, and any past vaccination records that you have had. Knowing exactly what vaccinations you have had in the past can prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

Travel consultations vary in complexity and so does the time required for consultation, so when making an appointment it is best to mention that it is for Travel Health.

Family Holiday

Family holiday travel to common destinations such as Thailand, Bali, Fiji can be accomplished in a group appointment. Each individual needs to be seen in consultation as it is the person and their destination that needs to be assessed along with an individual prescription. Only one member of the family pays the full standard consultation fee if all are present. Others are charged the Medicare rebate.

Recommended Vaccinations

Everyone needs to be current with their vaccination status for home, these include:
  • Tetanus, measles, chicken pox.
  • Hepatitis A is a common worldwide disease and is the most common recommended vaccination It is often administered in combination with Typhoid Vaccine.
  • Rabies vaccination is a special vaccine that requires discussion and can offer lifelong protection for a rare but catastrophic disease.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations for common and preventable diseases are both current and future investment due to the longevity of modern vaccines.

Mandatory Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination is the only vaccination that is mandated by the International Health Regulations as a requirement of entry to countries with potential Yellow Fever disease.

Special Purpose Vaccinations

Some countries from time to time, or for a special purpose, mandate other vaccinations. 
  • Travel to many areas requires proper insect protection and sometimes malaria tablets. 
  • Travel to altitude requires advice and sometimes medication that diminishes the effects of altitude illnesses. 
  • Travel to Saudi Arabia mandates vaccinations for attendance at the annual Haj pilgrimage.
A common example is travel to South America to visit Machu Picchu, the Amazon, Iguazu Falls and parts of Central America. This requires advice and a prescription for Yellow Fever vaccine, altitude illness, mosquito spread infections such as Zika or Dengue and Malaria prevention.

For updates and travel recommendations visit
Whilst individual requirements may vary, the standard adult schedules for typical vaccination are as follows (accelerated schedule in brackets):
Immunise Against Required Dosage
Hepatitis B 0, 1,6 months (0,7,21 days, 12 months)
Hepatitis A&B combination 0,1,6 months (0,7,21 days, 12 months)
Hepatitis A booster 1,6-36 months
Typhoid Single dose, booster every 3 years
Polio Single booster dose 10 yearly
Polio Tetanus & Diphtheria Single booster 10 yearly
Rabies 0,7 & 28(21) days, 2 yearly booster or blood test
Japanese Encephalitis 0 & 28 days (0,7,14 days 1-3 months)
Yellow Fever Single dose provides lifelong protection
Meningitis ACWY (Hajj meningitis vaccine) Single dose 3-5 yearly
Extra fees may be made for certain immunisations and vaccinations, which are not covered by Medicare.

Common Travel Illness

Travellers Diarrhoea

Gastrointestinal illness is the most common illness that is experienced by travellers and is referred to as Traveller's Diarrhoea. Diarrhoea may require the prescription of special medicines either for prevention or treatment.

The risk of Traveller's Diarrhoea can be reduced by taking precautions with food and water. We can assist with the correct advice tailored to your destination.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are very common with travel anywhere and it is wise to have an influenza vaccination before you leave.

Other Common Infections

We can help protect you from:
Chicken Pox Mumps Typhoid
Cholera Pertussis Varicella
Diphtheria Q Fever Whooping cough
German measles Rabies Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A and B Rubella Malaria
Herpes Zoster Shingles Measles
Japanese encephalitis Tetanus
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