Immunisations

How do immunisations work?

Vaccines work by exposing our bodies to small, safe, inactive doses of bacteria or virus that can cause disease. In response, our white blood cells activate and begin to make antibodies. These antibodies remain in our immune system, and are able to respond immediately if exposed to the active disease in the future. In other words, the vaccine tricks our body into thinking it is under assault, and the immune system responds by making a weapon which is on standby for future infection. The reason why there isn’t a ‘one vaccine fix all’ solution, is that the antibodies created by the body are specific to each particular disease. Further, some diseases, such as influenza (the flu), change enough to make existing antibodies ineffective. This is why we need flu shots every year.

Childhood Immunisation

Children’s immune systems are still developing, therefore they are more vulnerable to infections than most adults. It is therefore essential to the health and wellbeing of your child, that they undertake all prescribed immunisations for their age.

Child immunisation programs are for birth, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 4 years. There is also a school immunisation program for 10-15 year olds.

If you have concerns about anything you may have read or heard regarding childhood immunisation, please feel free to come in and see a doctor who consults at a HealthMint clinic to clarify any questions you may have.

Adult Immunisation

Immunisations required in adulthood can vary depending on your age, indigenous status, occupation, previous injury or illness, immunisation history, travel plans or if you are planning on starting a family. For example, booster doses of childhood immunisations may be required to maintain immunity from certain diseases (such as whooping cough). If you are unsure, it’s best to speak with your doctor for more information.

If you are over 65 years of age you are considered ‘at risk’ and should have a pneumococcal vaccine and an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.

Flu Immunisation

Influenza is a virus that is commonly transmitted from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing, talking or touching infected surfaces or hands. The flu is highly common, and for some at risk groups can even be fatal. At risk groups include pregnant women and people over 65 years of age.

It is recommended that everyone get a flu shot every year. The doctors who consult at HealthMint run annual flu drives for this – please contact reception to participate.

Travel Immunisation

The doctors who consult at HealthMint offer vaccinations required for overseas travel, and highly recommend that you arrange this at least 6 weeks before departure. You can find out more on our Travel Medicine page as well as on our blog.

Shingles Vaccination

Shingles is a blistering rash that is quite painful, caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Singles involves inflammation of the nerve tissue and can appear via multiple symptoms. Symptoms include headache, fever and flu-like symptoms to start with, as well as a stinging or burning sensation prior to the appearance of a rash.

To prevent shingles, 2 doses of the vaccine Shingrix are given 2-6 months apart, or 1-2 months apart for those who are immunocompromised. Shingrix is funded (free) under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible adults. This includes all adults aged 65 and above. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+ years and selected groups aged 18+ years with moderate to severe immunocompromise.