Vaccinations
Vaccinations help your immune system learn to respond to infectious viral and bacterial diseases and reduce serious complications. Doctors and Nurses at GPs on Curzon are up to date with the latest vaccine recommendations. The practice holds a wide range of both private and National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded vaccines for children, adolescents, and adults.
The NIP recommends a comprehensive vaccination schedule for children living in Australia.
Next time you visit your GP check if you are up to date with your vaccinations.
Should I get my child vaccinated for Meningococcal B?
Based on their higher disease risk, the Meningococcal B vaccine is recommended for these groups:
- Infants and young children, particularly those aged < 24 months.
- Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years.
- Children and adults with medical conditions that place them at a high risk of IMD, such as functional or anatomical asplenia or complement component disorders.12
I know someone who’s got Shingles, how can I protect myself?
There are two zoster vaccines available for adults in Australia to prevent herpes zoster known as Shingles.
Zostavax is a live-attenuated varicella zoster virus vaccine. Zostavax requires a single dose and is registered for use from age ≥50 years.
Shingrix is an adjuvanted (non-live) vaccine. Shingrix requires two doses, with an interval of 2-6 months between doses. It is registered for use from age ≥50 years in immunocompetent adults and from age ≥18 years for immunocompromised individuals at increased risk of herpes zoster.
In those aged 50 years and above, Shingrix is preferred over Zostavax for prevention of herpes zoster and its complications, due to its higher efficacy. Shingrix is not funded by the National Immunisation Program in Australia but can be purchased privately at GPs on Curzon. Zostavax is recommended and funded under the NIP only for immunocompetent people aged 70 years of age.
Who should get Vaccinated for Q fever?
- abattoir workers
- farmers
- stockyard workers
- shearers
- animal transporters (of high-risk animals such as cattle, camels, sheep, goats and kangaroos)
- veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students
- professional dog and cat breeders
- agricultural college staff and students
- wildlife and zoo workers who work with high-risk animals
- animal refuge workers (including those working in animal shelters and boarding facilities)
- laboratory workers who handle veterinary specimens or work with C. burnetii
- other people exposed to high-risk animals, particularly cattle, camels, sheep, goats, and kangaroos (including their products of conception, such as placental tissue and birth fluids)
Who should get vaccinated for Japanese Encephalitis?
- Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread through mosquito bites and is more common in areas of increased mosquito activity. It is endemic to parts of Asia and the Torres Strait region of Australia; but has recently been detected in several locations on mainland Australia including Queensland.
- JEV is a vaccine-preventable disease and vaccines are recommended for people at risk of exposure to the virus. For more information on risk and the eligibility criteria for vaccination have a conversation with you GP or visit the Queensland Health website.
There is going to be a new baby in our family, should I get vaccinated for Pertussis again?
Pertussis, commonly known as ‘whooping cough’, is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Infants < 6 months of age are at the greatest risk of severe disease and death.
In Australia, pertussis vaccine is available on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children at 2, 4, 6, 18 months and 4 years of age. An adolescent booster dose is available via school-based programs at 12–17 years of age.
Vaccination of pregnant women is recommended between 20 and 32 weeks in each pregnancy. The vaccine is funded under the NIP.
The vaccine is recommended for any adults who wish to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill, and is particularly important for those in contact with infants aged < 6 months (e.g. family members, healthcare workers, childcare workers). The vaccine is not funded under the NIP for these individuals.
What other vaccines are available at GPs on Curzon?
- Influenza vaccine
- Covid 19 Bivalent Vaccine
- Chickenpox Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Gardasil Vaccine (Cervical Cancer HPV)
If you are travelling overseas the following Vaccines may be recommended by your GP depending on your destination.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
- Typhoid Vaccine
- Hepatitis A or B Vaccine
- Rabies Vaccine
Should I give my child paracetamol prior to vaccination?
If your child is having the Meningococcal B Vaccine Bexsero and they are under 2 years of age they should have paracetamol 30 minutes before. This reduces their chance of getting a very high fever from the immune response stimulated by the vaccination. This is an exception to the general recommendation not to routinely give paracetamol with vaccinations unless it is for relief of fever or pain following immunisation.