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Childhood Immunisations

Childhood immunisation appointments at Double Bay Doctors involve:

  • Growth and measurement checks,

  • Vaccinations, and

  • A thorough Blue Book check, which gives you the opportunity to discuss any developmental concerns, referrals, prescriptions, etc.

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Childhood immunisation appointments attract a standard gap fee.


Please note that Double Bay Doctors does not offer a 'vaccinations only' appointment for childhood immunisations, so the gap fee will apply to all immunisation appointments.

 
Please remember to bring your Blue Book with you!
 
Immunisation from birth is highly recommended for all Australian children. The National Immunisation Program covers the cost of routine childhood immunisations recommended for all children in Australia. 
 
Routine childhood immunisations help to protect your child against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal C disease, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), rotavirus, chickenpox (varicella), measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) and influenza.
 
By law, there are particular immunisation requirements that your child needs to meet in order to go to childcare, kindergarten and primary school and childhood immunisations must be up-to-date before your child starts childcare and kindergarten.

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NSW CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION SCHEDULE

BIRTH

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  • Hepatitis B: H-B-VAX II (IM) or Engerix B (IM)


Administered in hospital within 7 days of birth (ideally within 24 hours)

6 WEEKS

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  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B: Infanrix Hexa (IM) or Vaxelis (IM)

  • Pneumococcal: Prevenar 13 (IM)

  • Rotavirus: Rotarix (oral)

4 MONTHS

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  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B: Infanrix Hexa (IM) or Vaxelis (IM)

  • Pneumococcal: Prevenar 13 (IM)

  • Rotavirus: Rotarix (oral)

6 MONTHS

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  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B: Infanrix Hexa (IM) or Vaxelis (IM)

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Children over 6 months with at risk conditions require an additional dose of the pneumococcal vaccine. 

12 MONTHS

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  • Meningococcal ACWY: Nimenrix (IM) 

  • Pneumococcal: Prevenar 13 (IM)

  • Measles, mumps, rubella: MMR II (IM) or Priorix (IM or SC)

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18 MONTHS

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  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis: Infanrix (IM) or Tripacel (IM)

  • Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella: Priorix Tetra (IM)

  • Measles, mumps, rubella: MMR II (IM) or Priorix (IM or SC)

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It is recommended that patients have an additional optional chickenpox booster at least 4 weeks following their first dose at the 18 month immunisation appointment. For more information click here​​​​

4 YEARS

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  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio: Infanrix-IPV (IM)

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Children over 4 years with at risk conditions require an additional dose of the pneumococcal vaccine. 

BEXSERO

Bexsero® (Meningitis B) is not currently part of the NSW Childhood Immunisation Schedule, though it has been adopted in the Schedule by South Australia and is highly recommended.

 

3 dose schedule: children aged 6 weeks to 12 months of age

  • Children commencing the vaccine schedule between 6 weeks and less than 12 months of age require 3 doses in total.

  • Bexsero should be routinely administered at 6 weeks, 4 and 12 months of age.  This aligns with the usual schedule points for National Immunisation Program vaccines.

  • Infants (6 weeks of age and older) do not need to wait until routine schedule points to commence a vaccine course.

  • Bexsero can be safely administered with other National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines.

 

2 dose schedule: children 12 months of age+

  • Those commencing the vaccine schedule 12 months of age or older require 2 doses in total.

  • There is a minimum interval of 2 months between doses.

  • Bexsero can be safely administered with NIP vaccines.

 

Preparing for Bexsero®

Fever (≥ 38.5°C) in young children aged less than 2 years is a common and expected adverse event following Bexsero administration.

Paracetamol is recommended with every dose of Bexsero for those less than 2 years of age.

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The 1st dose of paracetamol is recommended prior to, or within 30-minutes of vaccination.

 

Booking your Bexsero vaccine

​We offer two ways to receive your Bexsero vaccine:​

 

1. Dedicated vaccine clinic - bulk-billed for Medicare cardholders​​​​​

 

 

 

2. Standard GP appointment - flexible timing, gap fee applies

OPTIONAL CHICKENPOX BOOSTER

Chickenpox (varicella) is included in the National Immunisation Program and is given as part of the 18 month immunisation appointment via the Priorix Tetra vaccine. However, a second dose is recommended to provide stronger and longer-lasting protection.

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This optional booster dose is not covered under the NIP and will attract a fee of $75.

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Who should have it?

Any child who has already received their first chickenpox dose at their 18 month appointment. The booster should be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

 

Why is the booster recommended?

  • A single dose of the varicella vaccine is approximately 85% effective at preventing chickenpox.

  • Two doses increase protection to around 98%, significantly reducing the chance of infection.

  • Even if a vaccinated child does contract chickenpox, two doses greatly reduce the severity of the illness.

 

What to expect

The booster is a single injection. Mild redness or soreness at the injection site and a low-grade fever are possible in the days following vaccination. A mild chickenpox-like rash occasionally occurs and is not contagious.

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Booking your Chickenpox Booster vaccine

​We offer two ways to receive your Chickenpox vaccine:​

 

1. Dedicated vaccine clinic - bulk-billed for Medicare cardholders​​​​​

 

 

 

2. Standard GP appointment - flexible timing, gap fee applies

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