Summers Family Medical Practice
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a proven and effective method to reduce the risk of contracting many serious or life-threatening diseases. Not only does vaccination protect the individual, it also acts in herd immunity to protect the vulnerable in our community including babies, the elderly and immunocompromised patients. In addition to travel vaccinations offered by the Summer's Travel Clinic, a variety of vaccinations are offered at Summers Avenue Family Medical Practice.
Childhood Vaccinations
The NSW child immunisation program aims to protect children from serious preventable illnesses through free vaccination. Examples of conditions covered by the schedule include hepatitis B, meningococcal, diphtheria, pneumococcal and pertussis (whooping cough). Recommended age for vaccination with the GP are at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 4 years. These bulk billed consultations include an assessment of growth and development.
For more information, view the full schedule here. While not covered by the government, our practice also recommends the meningococcal B vaccination for all individuals as per recommendation by the immunisation handbook.
Flu Vaccinations
Influenza is highly contagious and seasonal activity has returned following global reopening. Annual flu vaccination is routinely recommended for anyone over 6 months of age. Free flu vaccination is available for children under 5 years of age, those 65 years old and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those with specific chronic health conditions.
COVID Vaccinations
Unlike influenza or other respiratory illnesses, coronavirus infections have the chance of producing long COVID. This includes a range of potentially long-term symptoms such as lethargy, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, brain fog and mood disturbance. Not only does covid vaccination protect you and those around you from coronavirus, it reduces the prevalence of symptoms associated with long covid.
To receive full protection, enquire or book in for a COVID vaccination today. Click here for the latest guidance on booster doses.
70+ Vaccinations
All patients aged 70 and above are recommended to have vaccinations against pneumococcal and shingles. Tetanus is another vaccination to be considered particularly if it has been longer than ten years since your last booster.
Catch-Up Vaccinations
Many older adults have not received as many routine vaccinations as children receive today. Additionally, immunity from past vaccination can wean after long durations without a booster. The lack of immunity to commonly preventable conditions are often found incidentally or on occupational health screening. To find out more about how to protect yourself against waning immunity or missed vaccinations, book a consultation with our doctors today.