With the count down well and truly on until the start of the new school year, it is timely to ensure Territory kids are up to date with their immunisations.
Upon enrolment, parents can expect to be asked for their child’s vaccination record which can be obtained from your family GP or health clinic.
Timely vaccination helps prevent the spread of disease, particularly those which have previously been eliminated, and in an outbreak, ensures the safety of children who are not adequately protected.
Some diseases are still widespread in many areas of the world and particularly in the tropics.
Free vaccines are available to NT kids from urban Primary Health Centres, GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, or Remote Health Clinics, as per the NT immunisation schedule for:
- Infants and Children 0-5 years of age (including influenza vaccines yearly for all children from 6 months to 5 years)
- All students in Years 7 and 9 (School Immunisation Program)
- All children/teenagers aged 1 to 19 years for meningococcal ACWY vaccine as part of the Meningococcal Vaccine Program
- Those under 20 years of age who require catch up vaccines
If you think your child has missed any of the required vaccines, your family’s Community Health Centre or GP will assist in identifying and obtaining any catch up vaccinations required.
As noted by Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
“Ensuring vaccinations are up to date for Territory kids starting or returning to school next week is an important part of being back-to-school ready.
“We want to make sure the Territory keeps continues to be a great place to live and raise a family, and making sure kids are happy and healthy is a really important part of that.
“Our kids are some of our most vulnerable members of the community, and keeping immunisations up-to-date goes a long way to protecting them, and others around them, from often unnecessary exposure to disease and illness.
“Accessing free vaccinations is as easy as ever – with urban and remote Health Clinics providing essential vaccinations for Territory kids free of charge”.
