Hello, I am Heo Jeong-yun, working as a GP.
As a family doctor, I see many families and with a strong interest in paediatrics, I consider children's health and safety to be very important.
One of the questions I often receive from parents is about childhood vaccinations.
So today, to help you feel more confident about vaccination choices let's look at some frequently asked questions together.
Why are childhood vaccinations important?
Because babies and young children's immune systems are still developing they can get sick more easily.
Vaccines protect children before they are exposed to serious diseases by protecting them in advance and train children's immune systems to recognise infections and fight against them.
This helps prevent serious illness and protects children's health in the long term.
Why is it important to get vaccines on time?
Following the National Immunisation Program schedule, vaccines work best when they’re given on time,
The reason is that each vaccine is timed is to protect your child when they need it most.
When most children are vaccinated, children and adults who cannot be vaccinated as well as the wider community can also be protected.
If your child has a mild illness such as a cold and vaccination is needed
it is usually still possible to vaccinate depending on the child's condition.
If you are not sure, it is always best to check with your GP or nurse.
How can parents deal with confusing or conflicting information?
With so much information overflowing online and on social media these days, I understand it can be confusing.
If you are unsure, a GP, nurse, pharmacist or other trusted health professional is a good first step to consult.
Try to refer to information from credible sources like health.gov.au and make sure the information is based on medical evidence.
Please do check and verify.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases
Having your child vaccinated on time helps protect not only your family but the entire community as well. If you are looking for trusted information about childhood immunisation visit health.gov.au/childhood-immunisation or speak with your GP or healthcare provider.