East Hills Medical Centre provides childhood, adolescent and adult immunisations, including all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program schedule, annual influenza vaccination, catch-up schedules for children and migrants, and boosters such as whooping cough for parents and grandparents. National Immunisation Program vaccines are free for eligible patients and the consultation is bulk billed for children aged 18 and under and concession card holders on weekdays. Every vaccine given is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register so childcare and school records stay current. Flu vaccines are free under the program for children aged six months to under five, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those with certain medical conditions. Travel vaccines, including yellow fever, are covered on the travel medicine page. Book by phone or online, and bring your child's health record book.

Childhood schedule

The NSW schedule includes vaccines at birth, 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 4 years, and in Year 7 and Year 10 at school. The practice nurse and GP check your child's record at each visit and can complete catch-up schedules for children who have missed doses or arrived from overseas.

Adults

Influenza each autumn
Whooping cough (pertussis) booster in pregnancy and for close contacts of newborns
Shingles vaccine for people aged 65 and over (free under the program), and from 50 privately
Pneumococcal vaccine for people aged 70 and over and those at risk
Tetanus boosters and wound management
COVID-19 vaccination as per current ATAGI advice

What to expect

Your doctor or nurse checks for reasons a vaccine should be delayed, such as a current fever or a previous reaction, then records the dose on the Australian Immunisation Register. You are asked to wait 15 minutes afterwards. Mild fever, soreness at the site and tiredness are common for a day or two; call the practice if you are concerned.

Questions patients ask

Are vaccinations bulk billed?

The consultation is bulk billed for children aged 18 and under and for concession card holders on weekdays. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are supplied free; privately purchased vaccines are charged at cost.

Can I get an immunisation history statement?

Yes. Statements are available through Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare app, and the practice can print one for you.

Do you vaccinate babies?

Yes, from birth. The 6 week, 4 month, 6 month, 12 month and 18 month visits are combined with a growth and development check.

Immunisations