World Immunisation Week is April 24-30. A week when we can celebrate the eradication and reduction of some diseases thanks to vaccines.
It is also a time to make sure all our family is up to date with their vaccines. This helps to not only protect the individual but also those around them.
There are vaccines for children, teenagers and the elderly. There is also the flu vaccination for everyone. Speak to your doctor about what vaccinations are needed to give your family the best protection.
Do you have questions about vaccines?
Please speak to your doctor or check out the website www.immunisationfacts.gov.au
Here you can find the answers to many commonly asked questions. It is important for you to Get The Facts about immunisation.
The top immunisation facts are:
- Vaccines strengthen your child’s immune system.
- All childhood diseases we vaccinate against can cause serious illness, including death.
- All vaccines available in Australia have been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness and are continually monitored.
- Immunisation is a safe and effective way of giving protection against diseases such as whooping cough and measles.
Government Campaign
Although immunisation rates in Australia are already high, with over 93 per cent of five-year-old children fully vaccinated, there are areas where the immunisation rate is too low. Some of these areas are on the North Coast.
On the 4 March the Government announced a new Immunisation Campaign that will be directed towards parents across the country, especially those areas with low vaccination rates. As the North Coast of NSW has one of the lowest immunisation rates in Australia, we are expecting that the area will be included in the new government initiative.
This campaign will help parents access evidence based information to support their decision making about childhood vaccinations.
You can find out more information about the campaign and about immunisation by visiting www.immunisationfacts.gov.au