Keeping your child protected doesn’t have to feel confusing or stressful. At One Health Clinic in Albion, we support families with gentle, clear, and reassuring care so that immunisation appointments are as smooth as possible for both children and parents. We explain each step so you know what to expect and can feel confident about your child’s vaccines.
Parents often ask what vaccines children need at each age, whether vaccines are safe, and how to prepare for appointments. These are common and important questions. Our team ensures the proper care of your child’s health by providing clear information and friendly support.
Immunisation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses. Keeping your child’s vaccines up to date helps them stay healthy, active, and ready to explore the world.
Why Immunisations Matter
Vaccines help protect your child from diseases that can cause serious complications, hospital stays, or long-term health problems. We often explain them to children as “shields” that help their bodies recognise and fight germs.
Many parents ask, “Do children still need vaccines in Australia?” Yes, they do. Conditions such as measles, whooping cough, and meningococcal disease still appear in the community. Immunisation makes these illnesses less likely to spread, protecting both your child and the people around them.
Vaccines used in Australia are carefully checked for safety. Every dose given at One Health Clinics in Albion meets national standards and is given by trained and experienced staff.
Immunisation also helps protect people who are at greater risk, such as newborns, some pregnant women, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. By staying up to date, your family helps keep the whole community safer.
Your Child’s Vaccination Journey
Parents often ask, “What vaccines does my child need at each age?” The Australian childhood immunisation schedule is designed to protect your children at important stages as they grow. Here is a simple overview.
Birth
Hepatitis B: An early dose is given at the hospital to help protect your baby from the start.
2, 4 & 6 Months: These visits build your baby’s first strong layer of protection.
Vaccines usually include:
- DTPa (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough)
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
- Rotavirus
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Parents sometimes worry about multiple vaccines at once. Studies show this timing is safe and provides strong early protection.
12 Months: Your toddler is now more mobile and social, so this visit adds important boosters:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Pneumococcal booster
These help protect against serious infections as your child spends more time around other children.
18 Months: At this age, your child receives:
- MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox)
- DTPa booster
- Hib booster
These boosters help keep their protection strong through early childhood.
4 Years: Before kindergarten or school, your child usually receives:
- DTPa
- Polio booster
Parents often ask, “Does my child need vaccines before starting school?” Yes—these doses help protect your child in classroom and playground settings where germs spread more easily.
10–15 Years: As part of school vaccination programmes, children are usually offered:
- HPV vaccine
- Boostrix (covers diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough)
These help protect against infections that become more important in adolescence and later life.
Parent Tips for Immunisation Visits
Preparing your child for their vaccines doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple steps can make the visit easier:
- Bring a favourite toy, teddy, or comfort item
- Pack snacks or a drink for after the appointment
- Talk calmly about what will happen, using simple, reassuring language
A common concern is, “What if my child is behind on their vaccines?” Please don’t worry, catch‑up plans are common. At One Health Clinics, we can:
- Review your child’s records
- Create a catch‑up plan
- Make sure doses are spaced correctly without starting again from the beginning
Bringing your Medicare card helps things run smoothly. Our staff will record your child’s vaccines, update the Australian Immunisation Register, and give you advice on what to look out for after the appointment.
We want immunisation visits to feel calm, respectful, and child‑friendly. We take time to explain what’s happening and support you and your child before, during, and after the needles.
We’re Here for You and Your Child
One Health Clinic Albion focuses on family-centered care. Our doctors and nurses are experienced in giving childhood vaccines and know how to help children feel as relaxed as possible, even when they are nervous.
As part of our family doctor medicine approach, our clinic offers many GP services for families, so you can get general care, immunisations, and follow‑up advice in the same trusted place. We also provide telehealth appointments for parents who want to talk about vaccine timing, possible reactions, or any concerns before bringing their child into the clinic.
Childhood immunisation is one of the most reliable ways to protect a child’s long-term health. With the right support, the whole process can be clear, manageable, and much less stressful.
Book your child’s immunisation at One Health Clinics in Albion, and we’ll guide you through every step, helping keep them protected as they grow.