ACT Medicare Local encourages parents of children starting school this year to have their four year old vaccinations completed before their first day.
These vaccinations protect children from preventable infectious diseases like measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, mumps and rubella.
“These diseases can be painful and in some cases can lead to permanent disability or death. The booster doses due at four years of age are essential to complete your child’s immunisation schedule and ensure they are protected,” said ACTML Chair Dr Rashmi Sharma.
“With current cases of whooping cough and measles still evident in the ACT community, it is essential your child receives the booster to protect them,” said Dr Sharma.
These vaccinations can be given from 3 ½ years in conjunction with a Healthy Kids Check. This check is aimed at improving the health and well-being of Australian children and promotes early detection of lifestyle risk factors and delayed development and illness.
Dr Sharma says recent data about childhood vaccination rates show Canberra parents are keen to protect their children from preventable childhood diseases through immunisation.
“We enjoy high rates of immunisation in the ACT. We are a leader in national immunisation rates and would like for this to continue,” said Dr Sharma.
“Parents are encouraged to speak with their GP, General Practice Nurse or Maternal and Child Health Nurse about immunising their child before they start school,” said Dr Sharma.
Immunisation plays an import role in protecting the health of individuals and the entire community. Completing the childhood immunisation program will help ensure all children in the Canberra region are protected.
You may be eligible to receive an allowance or payment from Centrelink when your child meets their required immunisation and health check requirements.