Immunisation

At Bellbowrie Family Practice, we offer a comprehensive range of immunisation services. From young babies to seniors, we are able to provide vaccinations for all ages and life situations. Our services include childhood immunisations, flu shots for pregnant women and seniors, and travel vaccinations.

What is Immunisation?

Immunisation provides protection against a range of serious illnesses. It prompts the body’s immune system to produce antibodies in response to the vaccine. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with a real illness, the immune system recognises the threat and sets out to destroy it.

What is the Difference between Immunisation and Vaccination?

Immunisation and vaccination are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. A vaccination is the injection that is administered. Immunisation takes place when the body responds and becomes immune to illness.

Vaccination Schedule

The National Immunisation Schedule recommends vaccination as follows:

Birth

  • hepatitis B

2 Months

  • Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, inactivated poliomyelitis (polio),(hepB-DTPa-Hib-IPV)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV)
  • Rotavirus

4 Months

  • Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (hepB-DTPa-Hib-IPV)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV)
  • Rotavirus

6 Months

  • Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (hepB-DTPa-Hib-IPV)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV)
  • Rotavirus b

12 Months

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal C (Hib-MenC)
  • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

18 Months

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV)

4 Years

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough) and inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (DTPa-IPV)

10 – 15 Years

  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa)

Every year a new flu vaccination provides protection against current strains of the influenza virus. If you are aged 65 or over, the following vaccinations are recommended:

  • Influenza (flu)
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV)

If you are between 71 and 79, a free catch-up vaccination is available until 2021:

  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Occupational Vaccination

Some occupations expose you to a higher risk of illness. Each industry has specific risks and recommended vaccinations. The Queensland government recommends vaccination for the following occupations.

  • People who work with children
  • Carers of the elderly or people with disabilities
  • Emergency services workers
  • Healthcare workers
  • People who work with animals
  • Laboratory staff
  • People who work with some remote communities
  • Tattooists
  • Embalmers
  • Plumbers
  • Funeral home workers and undertakers

Vaccination is mandatory in some industries and each industry has specific vaccination requirements. If you work in an at-risk industry, talk to us about which vaccinations you need.

At-Risk People

Some people have a higher risk of contracting a serious illness. The government recognises that the following groups may need extra protection through vaccination:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
  • Pregnant women
  • Infants and children with certain medical conditions
  • Seniors
  • People with chronic illness

If you are in an at-risk group, talk to us about what vaccinations you might need to keep you protected.

Travel

We offer a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and advice. For more details on our travel vaccination services, please read our Travel Vaccinations and Advice page.

Make an Appointment

If you would like to make an appointment for a vaccination or want to know more about our vaccination services, please call us on 07 3202 5360. You can also make an appointment using our online booking service.