January 24, 2013
As parents prepare for the new school year, Darling Downs South West Queensland (DDSWQ) Medicare Local is urging them to make immunising their children priority one on the back-to-school checklist.
“This is always a busy time of year for parents,” DDSWQ Medicare Local CEO Andrew Harvey said.
“We all want the best for our kids and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of kitting them out with new books, uniforms, stationery and supplies to set them up for another school year.
“However, one of the most important things parents can do for their children is to ensure their immunisations are complete and up-to-date.”
The National Immunisation Program provides immunisation protection for children against:
- Measles
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis or whooping cough
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus Influenza Type b
- Menigococcal C, and
- Invasive pneumococcal disease.
“Many of these diseases are still very widespread in other areas of the world, particularly in our neighbouring countries,” Mr Harvey said.
There have been a number of cases of measles in Australia already this summer.
Measles is very infectious and often causes severe illness resulting in hospitalisation, long-term complications and sometimes death.
Unfortunately there is no treatment for measles, the patient is merely kept as comfortable as possible. The only really safe way to protect children is to vaccinate on time.
Mr Harvey said protecting children with vaccines would, in most cases, protect them for life.
“We’re extremely lucky to live in a country where access to immunisation is readily available.
“Immunising my children has always been a top priority for me,” mother-of-two Paquita James said.
“It’s something we have always taken very seriously in the family and have made sure my daughter has been
immunized before school starts.”
DDSWQ Medicare Local said it was important to make sure all children were up-to-date with their immunisations.
Parents can find out about their child’s vaccination history from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register or by calling 1800-653-809.
By accessing the website and logging onto MyGov and Medicare Online Services, parents can request a history statement to download or to be sent by mail.
