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Keep your child safe and well with vaccinations: A health reminder for parents
21 October 2008
Armidale Community Health Centre has issued a health reminder to parents, reinforcing the importance of childhood immunisations.
Immunisation is a simple, safe way of protecting children (and adults) against harmful infections and diseases. The risks of these diseases – such as measles, whooping cough, polio, mumps and tetanus – are far greater than the very small risks of immunisation.
Immunisation Registered Nurse at Armidale Community Health Centre, Kay Morris, said childhood diseases were very real and should not be underestimated.
“A lot of parents nowadays haven’t been exposed to the terrible consequences of infectious diseases such as whooping cough or measles; this can influence their opinion about the importance of immunisations,” Ms Morris said.
“But they are very real diseases and they do exist. It is important to keep in mind that the reason were haven’t seen many incidences of these infections is because the vaccination rate has been so high in recent years.
“We want to ensure parents continue to understand the importance of fulfilling their child’s Immunisation Schedule, which starts at birth and continues until they are four years old.”
Parents should be aware that the adverse reactions felt by some children after receiving vaccinations are small, and that the life of a child far outweighs the risk of not immunising.
Common reactions may include slight pain and reddening at the injection site, and occasionally the child may feel slightly "off colour", though this is uncommon and may only last a day or two.
It is imperative that parents keep a record of their child’s Immunisation Schedule, in a copy of the Australian Immunisation Handbook. This book helps doctors and parents ensure that children are properly immunised, at the right time.
If parents are unable to access their local GP to have their child vaccinated, they can make an appointment with Immunisation Registered Nurse at Armidale Community Health Centre, Kay Morris.
Vaccinations at Armidale Community Health Centre are free. To make an appointment phone (02) 6776 9897.
(HNE-1594)
Contact: Carisa Josephs
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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