M M I S A SAVES LIVES IMMUNISATION. Please work together to protect our most vulnerable David & Toni McCaffery

Transcription

1 i Please work together to protect our most vulnerable David & Toni McCaffery M M UN I S A TI IMMUNISATION SAVES LIVES O N A community information initiative from JUNE 2013 The Hon THOMAS GEORGE MP MEMBER FOR LISMORE

2 A guide to immunisation A MESSAGE FROM THOMAS Advances in medical science and technology continue to give us all a better chance of living a full and healthy life. We could wish nothing more for our family and friends, particularly our children who deserve the best possible start in life. Nobody wants to be sick. Continued medical research into immunisation is taking the fight up against some insidious diseases which threaten our health and well-being. Immunisation is a simple, safe, effective way of protecting children and adolescents against those diseases. A new National Immunisation Program Schedule will become available on July 1 this year. The updated information has been reproduced in this booklet along with other details pertaining to immunisation and the diseases it targets. Experts know that vaccination saves an estimated three million lives around the world each year. They also know that 90 per cent of parents vaccinate their children. It is important for parents and guardians to be vigilant when ensuring immunisation schedules are kept up-to-date. Following the schedule is the best way to ensure cases of specific diseases, many of which can be deadly, remain a rare occurrence. Our community can fight these diseases by following the immunisation schedule. Please take the time to read this information guide and keep it handy for future reference. The Hon Thomas George MP, Member for Lismore ADULT IMMUNISATION: THE WEAK LINK There is one weak link in the chain of protection and that s adult immunisation Professor Robert Booy, Immunisation and Infectious Diseases Expert, The Children s Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney, NCIRS. Vaccines provide community protection. It is important that adults receive vaccine boosters to ensure the chain of protection, that is, protecting the health of everyone. Adults need a booster for whooping cough and other diseases as only 11.2% of Australian adults are vaccinated. Importantly, the first whooping cough/pertussis shot for babies can be done at 6 to 8 weeks the sooner the better. Many adults and teenagers wrongly assume the vaccines they got as children are all they need for the rest of their lives. Teenagers should receive three vaccine boosters: Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine (if they haven t had the disease); Hepatitis B vaccine; Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis (dtpa) vaccine. More information:

3 HELPING TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN Vaccination rates in Northern NSW are at an alarmingly low rate with recent figures revealing that more than half of 1, 2 and 5 yearolds are not fully immunised in areas around the Lismore electorate. There are 77,000 children in NSW who are not immunised and nine areas including Northern NSW are among the worst affected, with less than 85 per cent vaccination rate. A rate of 95 per cent coverage is needed for effective disease control. Diseases can kill. Vaccination is the best way to protect our children. The NSW Government has introduced new laws aimed at boosting childhood vaccination. This significantly tightens the rules around child immunisation it means those parents who have been reluctant to vaccinate will need to consult a GP about their decision and be aware of the health risks. The bill would amend the Public Health Act 2010 to: a) Require parents or guardians to provide evidence their child is fully vaccinated for age, or is on a recognised catchup schedule, or has an exemption approved by a GP. Those seeking exemptions will be required to fill in forms used by the Commonwealth, which must be completed by a GP (or other approved provider) after counselling. Valid exemptions may include a medical contraindication to vaccination or religious grounds. b) Require directors of childcare facilities to obtain vaccination evidence or exemption prior to enrolment. NSW Health will work with Department of Education and Communities to ensure child care facilities are aware of the new requirements. Failure to comply will be an offence subject to a fine. The new provisions will commence on 1 January 2014

4 A guide to immunisation RECOMMENDED CHILD PROGRAMS AGE Birth Hepatitis B (hepb) [a] VACCINE 2 months Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (hepb-dtpa-hib-i Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV) Rotavirus 4 months Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (hepb-dtpa-hib-i Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV) Rotavirus 6 months Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (hepb-dtpa-hib-i Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV) Rotavirus [b] 12 months Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Meningococcal C (MenCCV) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) 18 months Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV) 4 years Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough) and inactivated poliomyelitis (polio) (DTPa-IPV) Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (to be given only if MMRV vaccine was not given at 18 months) SCHOOL PROGRAMS years (contact your State or Territory Health Department for details) Hepatitis B (hepb) [c] Varicella (chicken pox) [c] Human papilloma virus (HPV) [d] Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (whooping cough) (dtpa) AT-RISK GROUPS 6 months and over Influenza (flu) (people with medical conditions placing them at risk of serious complications of influenza) 12 months Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV) [e] (medically at risk) months Pneumococcal conjugate (13vPCV) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in high risk areas) [e] months Hepatitis A (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in high risk areas) [f] 4 years Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV) [e] (medically at risk) 15 years and over Influenza (flu) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people medically at risk) 50 years and over Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peo Pregnant women Influenza (flu) 65 years and over Influenza (flu) Pneumococcal polysaccharide (23vPPV)

5 IMMUNISATION SCHEDULE JULY 1, 2013 PV) PV) PV) ple) CHILD NOTES TO THE NATIONAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM (NIP) SCHEDULE a. Hepatitis B vaccine: should be given to all infants as soon as practicable after birth. The greatest benefit is if given within 24 hours, and must be given within 7 days. b. Rotavirus vaccine: third dose of vaccine is dependent on vaccine brand used. Contact your State or Territory Health Department for details. c. Hepatitis B and Varicella vaccine: contact your State or Territory Health Department for details on the school grade eligible for vaccination. d. HPV vaccine: is for all adolescents aged between 12 and 13 years. A catch-up program for males aged between 14 and 15 years is available until December Contact your State or Territory Health Department for details on the school grade eligible for vaccination. e. Pneumococcal vaccine: i. Medically at risk children require: a fourth dose of 13vPCV at 12 months of age; and a booster dose of 23vPPV at 4 years of age (but less than 6 years of age). ii. Infants born at less than 28 weeks gestation require: a fourth dose of 13vPCV at 12 months of age. iii. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children require: a fourth dose of pneumococcal vaccine (13vPCV) at 12 months of age (but not more than 18 months) for children living in high risk areas (Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia). Contact your State or Territory Health Department for details. f. Hepatitis A vaccine: two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in high risk areas (Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia). Contact your State or Territory Health Department for details.

6 A guide to immunisation Diphtheria Hepatitis B DISEASE WHAT IS IT? WHA Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) Bacteria spread by droplets (from sneezing and coughing). Virus spread mainly by blood, sexual contact or from mother to newborn baby. Bacteria spread by droplets. Causes severe throat and bre bacteria release a toxin, whic Causes acute hepatitis or chr cirrhosis or liver cancer. Causes meningitis, epiglottitis About 1 in 20 meningitis pati damage. About 1 in 100 epiglot encephalitis, 1 dies and up to causes infertility or deafness. Measles Virus spread by droplets. Causes fever, cough, rash. 1 in 1000 develops encephalitis Mumps Virus spread by saliva. Causes swollen neck and sal encephalitis. 1 in 5 males pas Polio (Poliomyelitis) Virus spread by faeces and saliva. Causes fever, headache, vom hospitalised patients dies and and adults has painful joints; develops inflammation of the after conception will have a m Rubella Virus spread by droplets. Causes rash, fever, swollen g babies. About 1 in 2 develops Tetanus Caused by toxin of bacteria from soil. Causes painful muscle spasm Risk greatest for very young o Whooping cough (Pertussis) Bacteria spread by respiratory droplets. Causes whooping cough and under the age of 6 months die coma; there may also be a rash irritability and a dislike of being and a pale blotchy complexion. has severe skin scarring or loss Meningococcal infections Bacteria spread by respiratory droplets. The typical symptoms of menin headache, dislike of bright light babies may differ and include: Rotavirus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Chickenpox Pneumococcal infections Virus spread by the vomit or faeces of an infected person through person-to-person contact, contaminated food, drink or objects, and may also be spread by droplets (coughing and sneezing). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. Caused by the herpes zoster virus. It is very contagious and commonly occurs in children. Spread by coughing, sneezing and direct contact with skin sores. Caused by infection with the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae causing a range of illnesses including pneumonia (infection of lungs), otitis media (infection of middle ear) and meningitis (infection of membranes around the brain). Is spread by droplets/saliva. Causes severe gastroenteritis vomiting, fever. In some case There are many strains of HP cervical cancers worldwide h HPV18. Cervical cancer is the womb). It can cause illness a discharge or pain. With regular treatment of abnormalities, mo Sudden onset of slight fever, begin as lumps and turn into encephalitis. About 3 in 100,0 congenital malformations in t shingles. Pneumonia: shortness of brea pain, cough. Otitis media: fev vomiting. Meningitis: fever, he 1 in 10 meningitis patients di Medical evidence in support of vaccination is so strong m

7 THE DISEASES T IT DOES AND WHAT CAN IT DO? athing difficulties. About 1 in 15 patients dies. The h can produce nerve paralysis and heart failure. onic carriage. About 1 in 4 chronic carriers develops SIDE EFFECTS OF VACCINATION About 1 in 10 has local inflammation or fever. Serious adverse events are very rare. About 1 in 15 to 1 in 100 has pain or fever. A sudden or severe reaction occurs in about 1 in 600,000. (respiratory obstruction), septicaemia, osteomyelitis. About 1 in 20 has discomfort or local inflammation. nts dies and 1 in 4 survivors has permanent brain or nerve About 1 in 50 has fever. titis patients dies. n 15 children with measles develops pneumonia and 1 (brain inflammation). For every 10 children who develop 4 suffer permanent brain damage. vary glands and fever. 1 in 200 children develops t puberty develops inflamed testicles. Sometimes iting and may progress to paralysis. About 1 in 20 1 in 2 survivors is permanently paralysed. lands, but causes severe malformations to unborn a rash and painful swollen glands; 1 in 2 adolescents 1 in 3000 develops bruising or bleeding; 1 in 6000 brain; 9 in 10 babies infected during the first 10 weeks ajor congenital abnormality. s, convulsions, lockjaw. About 3 in 100 patients dies. r old. vomiting lasting up to 3 months. About 1 in 200 patients s from pneumonia or brain damage. gococcal meningitis include fever, a stiff neck, severe s, vomiting, joint or muscle pains, drowsiness and even. The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis in young efusing feeds, vomiting, a high pitched moaning cry, handled, a blank staring expression, lethargy or drowsiness About 1 in 10 patients dies. Of those that survive, 1 in 30 of limbs, and 1 in 30 has severe brain damage. in early childhood. Symptoms include: watery diarrhoea, s severe dehydration and (rarely) death can occur. V, only some of which can cause cancer. About 1 in 2 ave been associated with HPV16 and 1 in 10 with abnormal growth of cells in the cervix (neck of the d death. Symptoms can include unexpected bleeding, Pap smears at two yearly intervals, and appropriate st cervical cancer could be prevented. runny nose, feeling unwell and an itchy skin rash. Sores blisters and then scabs. 1 in 100,000 patients develop 00 patients die. Infection during pregnancy can result in he baby. Reactivation of the virus later in life causes th, fast breathing, fever, lack of energy, headache, chest r, irritability, poor hearing, and sometimes diarrhoea and adache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness. About e. About 1 in 10 has discomfort, local inflammation or fever. About 1 in 20 develops a non-infectious rash. Fewer than 1 in 1 million may develop encephalitis. 1 in 100 recipients may develop swollen salivary glands. 1 in 3 million develops mild encephalitis. Local redness, pain and swelling at the site of injection are common. Up to 1 in 10 has fever, crying, and decreased appetite. About 1 in 10 has discomfort, local inflammation, or fever. About 1 in 20 suffers swollen glands, stiff neck or joint pains. About 1 in 20 has a non-infectious rash. Bruising or bleeding occurs in about 1 in 30,500 cases. About 1 in 10 has local inflammation or fever. Serious adverse events are very rare. About 1 in 10 has local inflammation or fever. Serious adverse events are very rare. The vaccines are very safe, however, side effects can occur. The most common are pain and redness at the injection site, irritability, headache and fever. Serious side effects are very rare. Slightly increased risk (1-3%) of developing diarrhoea or vomiting in the week following vaccine administration. The vaccine prevents infection from HPV strains 16 and 18 if vaccinated before infected. About 8 in 10 will have pain and 2 in 10 will have swelling/redness at the site of injection. Very occasionally headache, fever and nausea may occur. About 1 in 5 children may experience pain, redness or swelling at the injection site or fever. A mild Chickenpox-like rash may develop in 3 to 5% of children six to 20 days after vaccination. Serious side effects are very rare. Mild side effects such as some pain or swelling at the injection site and, occasionally, low-grade fever. NB: All diseases, except tetanus, are contagious/infectious. ost childhood vaccinations are provided free of charge IMPORTANT: Information sourced from NSW Health and correct at time of publication.

8 CONTACTS EMERGENCY 000 Immunisation Information Line Immunisation Register Public Health Unit Access Line Lismore Healthdirect WEBSITES Immunise Australia Program Northern NSW Local Health District COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES Lismore Bonalbo Goonellabah Kyogle Murwillumbah Nimbin Urbenville SAVE THE DATE TO VACCINATE A new app is making it easier for parents to ensure their children are fully immunised. It will help ensure children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough. The app for iphone and Android phones allows parents to enter their child s details, and then calculates the next immunisation due date. It sends a series of reminders to prompt the parent to call their GP for each immunisation. Parents can make that call straight from the app. Download the Save The Date app or print a Personalised Vaccination Schedule at Contact Thomas George MP Electorate Office: 55 Carrington Street, Lismore NSW 2480 Phone: Fax: lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au Web: Authorised by Thomas George MP. Printed by MSS Media, 161 Lake Albert Road, Kooringal NSW 2650 using Parliamentary entitlements.