Immunisation Health Service

Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Immunisation Service is now offering non-funded vaccines for purchase at our immunisation sessions.

Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero)
Meningococcal B disease is a serious illness caused by the ‘B’ strain of meningococcal bacteria. These bacteria are a major cause of meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (infection of the blood) in young children. 3 doses of Bexsero vaccine are recommended and can safely be administered alongside the routine vaccines at 6wk, 4mths and 12mths. Alternatively, the vaccines can be administered independently of other vaccines with the 2^nd dose due 2 months after the first and a booster dose 2-12 months later depending on the commencement age.

For more information on Meningococcal disease from the Department of Health, click the link below

Meningococcal disease – invasive | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine
Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Most people with chickenpox have mild symptoms and recover quickly. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia or meningitis. Chickenpox vaccine is recommended as a 2 dose course. All children receive 1 dose of the vaccine in the routine funded vaccines given at 18 months of age. The recommended interval between 2 doses of Chickenpox vaccine is 4 weeks.

A booster dose of the vaccine ensures maximum immunity against Chickenpox and reduces the risk of “break through” disease. The booster dose is not funded through the NIP (National Immunisation program)

For more information on chickenpox from the Department of Health, click the below link

Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Influenza Vaccine
Influenza is a common viral infection that affects people of all ages. While it can be a mild disease for some, it can also cause very serious illness in otherwise healthy people. It can lead to hospitalisation and can cause death. Vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself and others from influenza. Everyone six months and older is recommended to get an influenza (flu) vaccine each year. The flu vaccine not only protects you, but it also can help protect those around you. Flu vaccines are not funded for children over 5yrs of age but can be purchased through our service for all family members.

For further information on Influenza and the Influenza vaccine click the link below

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flu-influenza

Whooping cough Booster
The whooping cough vaccine for adults also contains diphtheria and tetanus protection in a combination vaccine. Adults who should be vaccinated with whooping cough vaccine if they have not had a dose in the last 10 years include:

• childcare workers
• healthcare workers
• any adult who wants to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill with whooping cough
• family members, grandparents and people in contact with infants less than 6 months of age, including other household members
• adults needing a whooping cough booster at any time
• at 50 years and 65 years of age when whooping cough containing vaccine is recommended
• travellers

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The bacterium is commonly known as meningococcus. Serogroups ACW&Y are known to cause invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). IMD most commonly presents as septicaemia and/or meningitis. All infants receive 1 funded dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine at 12months of age as part of the NIP

Any person who wants to reduce their risk of invasive meningococcal disease can receive MenACWY vaccines from as early as 6 weeks of age. When this vaccine is commenced before 12months 2 doses are recommended along with a (funded) booster at 12months.

• There is no risk when giving routine immunisations to the child of a pregnant mother. Immunising the child of a pregnant mother reduces the risk of vaccine preventable disease during pregnancy.

• Asthma, eczema and hay fever are not contraindications to any vaccine on the childhood schedule unless the child is receiving high-dose steroid treatment. Please let the nurse know of any allergies that your child has.

• Children on antibiotics can be vaccinated, providing the child does not have a temperature greater than 38.5 on the day of immunisation.

• Preterm babies can immunised. Routine vaccinations should be given 6 weeks after birth as normal.

• Grandparents or carers are welcome to bring infants to any session, however they should bring a letter of authority from the parent/guardian with consent for the vaccines to be given on the day.

• Parents of children born overseas can send evidence of their child’s vaccine history, along with the Medicare number to the Immunisation team for transfer to the Immunisation register by emailing the information to immunisation@mornpen.vic.gov.au.

• For more information  Immunisation (health.vic.gov.au)

Immunisations are run from the following venues:

Tootgarook Maternal and Child Health Centre
24 Barry Street, Tootgarook

Dromana Maternal and Child Health Centre
65 Pier Street, Dromana

Waterfall Gully Maternal and Child Health Centre
325 Bayview Road, Rosebud

Somerville Maternal and Child Health Centre
Somerville Community House, 21 Worwong Ave, Somerville

Bentons Square Maternal and Child Health Centre
Bentons Square Community Centre, 145 Bentons Road, Mornington

Mount Eliza Maternal and Child Health Centre
95-97 Wimbledon Avenue, Mount Eliza

Hastings Maternal and Child Health Centre
Hastings Community Health Service, 185 High Street, Hastings

Mornington Shire Office
2 Queen Street, Mornington

Children of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island descent are eligible to receive the Meningococcal B vaccine free of charge through the National Immunisation Program.

The vaccine will be offered at 2mth, 4mths and 12mths alongside the usual vaccines.

Bookings can be made by contacting 5950 1099 

Mornington Peninsula Shire provides free seasonal flu vaccines for clients who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• All children aged six months to less than five years
• Pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)

How to request your or your child’s Immunisation History Statement

You can access your own immunisation history statement or your child’s statement (if under 14 years of age) in the following ways:

• Use your Medicare online account through the myGov website or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
• Contacting the Australian Immunisation Register enquiry line on 1800 653 809
• Visit your local Medicare or Centrelink office

The Shire’s Immunisation team visit all Secondary schools located in the Mornington Peninsula Shire to provide immunisations according to the National Immunisation Program.

You will receive more information about the vaccinations and consent process from your child’s school

Parents of Secondary School students who have missed Immunisations at school may book their child to any of the Community Immunisation sessions by calling 5950 1099.

The government-funded 'catch-up' program is available for under 25 years of age as required.

If you or your child/children require a catch-up schedule, please email immunisation@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the below information and our immunisation team will contact you to discuss a catch up plan and book an appointment with you and your child.

• Child's full name
• Child's date of birth
• Medicare number (if available)
• Copy of all immunisation history, such as child immunisation book or vaccination record from GP