what are the health benefits and risks associated with vaccinating your child and why is it so...
TRANSCRIPT
What are the health benefits and risks associated with vaccinating your child
and why is it so important ?
Immunisation is surrounded by misconceptions.
Some parents are concerned about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
But the risk of complications from childhood diseases like measles, is much higher than the risk
of immunisation reactions.
Immunisation reactions are generally mild and resolve by themselves without needing medical
treatment.
Reactions may include fever and soreness at the injection site.
Serious immunisation reactions are exceptionally rare.
ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNISATION
Common adverse events following immunisation are usually mild and temporary
(occurring in the first few days after vaccination, unless otherwise stated). Specific
treatment is not usually required.
If the adverse event following immunisation is unexpected, persistent and/or severe, or if
you are worried about your child’s condition, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as
soon as possible, or go directly to a hospital.
Adverse events that occur following immunisation may be reported to the Therapeutic
Goods Administration (TGA) (www.tga.gov.au) or to the Adverse Medicines Events line on
1300 134 237, or discuss with your immunisation provider as to how reports are
submitted in your state or territory.
Researchers have not established any link to autism, diabetes or sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) from a child being
vaccinated.
Serious side effects or allergic reactions to vaccines are rare.
Without causing infection, vaccines trick the immune system into responding as if the
body is under attack from a specific bacterium or virus.
The immune system is a collection of specialised cells and chemicals that fight infection. It can destroy it quickly, often before the person even notices any symptoms of illness
The immune systems of babies are not protected through the placenta or breastfeeding. This makes them exposed to many germs as part of the normal birthing process. Including those from the vaginal canal, feces and breast milk. The immune system in an infant is still developing and needs to become active to protect against a range of bacteria and viruses.
Birth
2 months
4 months
6 months
12 months
18 months
4 years
Recommended ages for immunisation
For further information please visit Medicare Australia
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/australian-childhood-immunisation-register
Some vaccines are specifically recommended for use in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people.
Vaccine Recommendation for Indigenous persons
BCG Neonates living in areas of high TB incidence1 dose
Hepatitis A Children resident in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia2 doses in the 2nd year of life
Hepatitis B Adults who have not previously been vaccinated against hepatitis B and are non-immune
Influenza All persons aged 15 years Consider in all children aged ≥6 months, especially those aged 5 yearsAnnual vaccination
Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV) Children resident in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western AustraliaBooster dose in 2nd year of life in addition to primary course
Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV) Persons aged 15–49 years with underlying conditions increasing the risk of IPDAll persons aged 50 years
Yearly seasonal influenza vaccinations are recommended for adults as well as children who would like to be protected against influenza.
More vaccines are becoming available and recommended for use during adulthood.
Of the vaccines recommended for adults, currently only seasonal influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
Details of current seasonal influenza program details are available at: http://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/immunise-influenza
What vaccines are recommended for adults?
Vaccines provide a safe and efficient way to prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.
Every vaccine used in Australia has been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness and approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Conclusion:
If enough people in the community are immunised, the infection can no longer be spread from person to person and the disease dies out altogether. This is how smallpox was eliminated from the world and polio has disappeared from many countries.
CONTACT DETAILS FOR AUSTRALIAN,
HEALTH
Australian Government health authorities
Australian Government 02 6289 1555
Department of Health
Free call: 1800 671 811 www.immunise.health.gov.au
State and territory government health authorities
Australian Capital Territory - 02 6205 2300
Immunisation Enquiry Line
New South Wales - 1300 066 055
(to connect to your local Public Health Unit)
Northern Territory - 08 8922 8044
Centre for Disease Control
STATE AND TERRITORY GOVERNMENT
AUTHORITIES
Queensland - 13 HEALTH (13 4325 84)
Contact your local Public Health Unit, details at
www.health.qld.gov.au/cdcg/contacts.asp
South Australia - 1300 232 272 (8.30 am to 5.00 pm)
Email: [email protected] www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
Tasmania – 03 6222 7666 or 1800 671 738
Victoria - 1300 882 008
Email: [email protected]
www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation
Western Australia - 08 9388 4868
08 9328 0553 (after hours Infectious Diseases
Emergency) Email: [email protected]
References
Australian Government Department of Health. (2014). Immunise Australia Program. Retrieved from http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/home
Australian Government Department of Health. (updated 2014). The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013 [pdf download]. Retrieved from http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/EE1905BC65D40BCFCA257B26007FC8CA/$File/handbook-Jan2014v2.pdf
Law, B. (2012). Adverse reactions. Retrieved from http://www.dailylife.com.au/health-and-fitness/dl-wellbeing/adverse-reactions-20120507-1y7qm.html
Campbell, L. (2014). I'm a Vaccine-Wary Mom. Retrieved from, http://mom.me/baby/8919-im-vaccine-wary-mom/
Malone, K., & Hinman, AR. (n.d). Vaccination Mandates, The Public Health Imperative and Individual Rights [pdf download]. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/guides-pubs/downloads/vacc_mandates_chptr13.pdf
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. (2012). Adult vaccinations -vaccines for Australia adults: information for immunisation providers [pdf download]. Retrieved from, http://www.ncirs.edu.au/immunisation/fact-sheets/adult-vaccination-fact-sheetV2.pdf