What is Child Immunisation? How Many Vaccines Does a Child Get in Australia? List of Vaccines for Children by Age

child immunisation and vaccines by age

Immunisation is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. Immunisation protects people who have been immunised and limits the spread of disease to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as very young children or those with compromised immune systems. In this article, we will explore immunisation and how many vaccines a child in Australia typically receives by the time they reach school age.

What is child immunisation?

Immunisation, or vaccination, introduces a vaccine into the body to prevent certain diseases and illnesses. During immunisation, a vaccine of antigens or other foreign particles is injected into the body, triggering an immune response that produces antibodies to destroy these antigens. Depending on the vaccine administered, immunity from specific diseases can be achieved and maintained over an extended period. Child immunisation is crucial for protecting young children against potentially life-threatening conditions such as measles and whooping cough. In addition to helping prevent children from contracting these infections, immunisation also helps reduce the overall illness rate in communities. It protects vulnerable populations, such as newborn babies that are too young to be vaccinated.

Vaccines a child Gets in Australia.

In Australia, children typically receive different vaccines at different stages during childhood. The first dose of the rotavirus vaccine is generally administered at 2 to 3 months of age, while other vital vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), are typically administered around 12 months. Additional booster doses are given to provide longer-term immunity against various illnesses. In total, children in Australia can generally expect to receive between 15 and 20 vaccines by their fifth birthday. Each vaccination provides crucial protection for children by helping them to develop strong immunity against diseases that can otherwise cause significant harm and discomfort.

Vaccination by age

In Australia, several different vaccines target different diseases and are recommended based on a child’s age. The C-section vaccine protects against whooping cough for babies below six months old, while the rotavirus vaccine prevents severe diarrhea and dehydration. Children between 12 and 24 should receive the measles vaccine, which protects against viral infections that can cause serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Vaccines for children aged 4 to 9 include protection against polio, mumps, rubella, meningococcal C disease, and chicken pox. Other vaccines may be recommended for older children between 10 and 18 years old based on factors such as travel plans or occupation. Maintaining up-to-date vaccination schedules is one of the most critical steps to protect our children from dangerous diseases and ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Child immunisation at Lotus medical Centre Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

At Lotus medical centre in Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia, we take the health and well-being of our young patients very seriously. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable doctors works tirelessly to ensure that each child receives proper immunisation at critical stages throughout their development. We know that solid immunity is the best defence against disease and illness. Thus it is crucial to building healthy immune systems as early as possible. Our doctors not only understand the science behind immunisation but also appreciate the importance of building trust with parents and children. Through a combination of compassion and skill, we can provide expert care for all children starting from their first visit to our clinic. Whether looking for reliable daycare or tailored medical treatment for your little one, Lotus medical centre should be your first choice for child immunisation in Townsville. So why wait? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child! You’ll be glad you did.

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