Tura Beach Medical Centre
Personal Care in a quality environment

Child Health & Immunisations

Good health is an important element in a child’s quality of life as it can influence participation in many aspects of life, including schooling and recreation.

The early years of a child’s life provide the foundation for future health, development and wellbeing. A positive start in life helps children reach their full potential, while a poor start increases the chances of adverse outcomes.

We offer priority appointments for children with acute medical problems and offers health checks and childhood vaccinations. Specific Children’s Health issues covered include:
  • Paediatric coughs, colds and infections
  • Baby & childhood vaccination schedule
  • Infant feeding, growth and weight checks
  • Childhood behavioural issues
  • Paediatric and adolescent health care
  • Preschool checks
  • Childhood obesity management

Coughs, Colds & Infections

Coughs

Although it is upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat.

Children often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat. If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there’s no wheezing, a cough is not usually anything to worry about.

If your child has:
  • A bad cough that will not go away, make a time to see one of our doctors, or
  • If they have a high temperature and are breathless, they may have a chest infection. 
If a chest infection is caused by bacteria rather than a virus your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Antibiotics will not soothe or stop the cough straight away.

If a cough continues for a long time, especially if it is worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of asthma. 

Some children with asthma also have a wheeze or breathlessness. If your child has any of these symptoms take them to the doctor. If your child seems to be having trouble breathing, seek medical attention urgently or call an ambulance, even if it is the middle of the night.

Sore Throats

Most sore throats clear up on their own after a few days. Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. 
Your child’s throat may be dry and sore for a day or two before a cold starts. Infant or child dosage paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to reduce the pain.

If your child has a sore throat for more than four days, has a high temperature and is generally unwell, or is unable to swallow fluids or saliva, see your doctor.

Colds

It is normal for a child to have eight or more colds a year. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they have never had them before. Gradually they build up immunity and get fewer colds.

Most colds get better in five to seven days. Here are some suggestions on how to ease the symptoms in your child:
  • Increase the amount of fluid your child normally drinks.
  • If your child has a fever, pain or discomfort, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. There are child and infant products that will state on the packet how much you should give children of different ages. 
  • Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a temperature. A child may pull or rub at an ear, but babies cannot always tell where the pain is coming from and may just cry and seem uncomfortable.

If your child has an earache but is otherwise well, give them infant or child dose paracetamol or ibuprofen for 12-24 hours. Do not put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child’s ear unless your doctor advises you to do so.

Most ear infections are caused by viruses, which cannot be treated with antibiotics. They will just get better by themselves.

After an ear infection, your child may have a problem hearing for two to six weeks. If the problem lasts for any longer than this, ask your doctor for advice.

Glue Ear

Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to 'glue ear' (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child’s hearing. This may lead to unclear speech or behavioural problems.

Your doctor will give you advice on treating glue ear.

Infant Feeding, Growth, Weight Checks

Feeding Guidelines

In line with accepted guidelines, we recommend infants are breastfed until around 6 months of age when solid foods are introduced. For further recommendations please download the Infant Feeding Guide - HERE

Childhood Growth

Children's growth can be affected by a range of factors, including:
  • Genetics
  • Environment
  • Nutrition
  • Biological Causes
  • Health and wellbeing
Our practice recommends regular growth monitoring for:
  • Detecting slow or excessive growth
  • Checking the impact of illness and response to treatment
  • Screening for high-risk individuals
Where any questions or problems arise, ask one of our doctor’s for advice.

Childhood Behavioural Issues

Behavioural issues can be mild and subjective or quite obvious. Regardless, if as a parent you feel that you need advice or help with the management of these issues ask one of our doctors for advice.

Causes of Childhood Behavioural Issues

Behavioural problems can result from temporary stressors in the child's life, or they might represent more enduring disorders. 

While not an exhaustive list, some common disruptive behaviour disorders include: 
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), 
  • Conduct disorder (CD) and 
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
At Gateway Medical Centre we are here to help with advice, treatment and/or referrals to trained professionals.

Paediatric and Adolescent Health Care

Children's and adolescent health care for young people aged between 0-18 years include:
  • General medical follow up for special care newborns, 
  • Developmental-behavioural screening and neurology,
  • Orthopaedics (fractures), 
  • Plastic surgery and 
  • Ear, Nose and Throat surgery
  • Endocrine clinics for diabetes and children’s growth
  • Other health therapies and case management for dietetics and autism assessment

Preschool Checks

The Australian Government recommends Healthy Kids Checks which aims to identify health problems and promote healthy lifestyles.

When to Arrange a Preschool Health Check?

The recommended timing is before your 4-year-old child's scheduled vaccination. The examination enables your doctor to remain engaged with your child and offer health surveillance at an important transition in your child’s early life.

What is Involved in a Preschool Health Check?

As parents, we encourage this opportunity to discuss parenting or health concerns, but it also consists of a checklist of examinations and assessments, six of which are mandatory, including:
  • Compliance with the recommended Vaccination Schedule
  • Checks for vision, hearing and oral health
  • Toilet practices and allergies
  • Growth and developmental checks

Childhood Obesity Management

What is Childhood Obesity?

Obesity increases the risk factors for children’s health. A child is defined as obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 85% of children and teens of the same age and sex. Assess your child's BMI HERE

Treatment for Childhood Obesity

Treatment for childhood obesity is based on your child's age and if he or she has other medical conditions.

Treatment can include: 
  • Changes in your child's eating habits
  • Changes in your child’s physical activity level. 
In certain circumstances, treatment might include medications or weight-loss surgery.

Childhood Obesity Assessment

If you have concerns about your child’s weight, diet or activity level, a medical assessment may be a good place to start.

At Gateway Medical Centre we are here to help with advice, treatment and/or referrals to trained professionals.

Baby & Childhood Vaccination Schedule

The Australian Government - Department of Health have developed a vaccination program for all infants, children, and teenagers. We recommend you ensure your child complies with this schedule to ensure they are immunised against preventable disease.

The schedule is attached HERE 

What are Children's Immunisation & Vaccinations?

Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material (the inactivated germ or a part of it) that boosts up your immunity to a disease. It is considered to be the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases.

Vaccines stimulate the immune system and make the immune system ready to fight against the disease.

The immunizations can be made more effective with periodic repeat injections or “boosters”. It increases our ability to fight diseases that may be contagious or even fatal. Vaccinations are important for adults as well as for children.

What are Common Immunisation & Vaccinations?

  • Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine
  • Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine
  • Poliovirus Vaccine
  • Influenza Vaccine
  • Measles, Mumps, and German Measles/Rubella vaccine
  • Varicella Vaccine
  • Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
  • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • Rotavirus Vaccine
  • Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Are Immunisation & Vaccinations Safe?

Vaccines containing dead or inactivated germs when introduced into the body the immune system react to the vaccine by making antibodies. These antibodies help protect from disease when similar germs invade the body in future.

Infectious diseases are contagious and spread from one person to another. Vaccinating large population may avoid the spread of disease in a community and with the time the disease can be eradicated from the society.

Recommended Immunisation & Vaccinations

The current National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule started on 1 July 2007 and outlines the recommended vaccines by age group which are funded by the Immunise Australia Program. States and Territories may choose whatever combination of vaccines from those listed on the Health Act (1953) Determination 2009 (Immunisation Program – Designated Vaccines) as best suits the needs of geographic and demographic conditions.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B virus targets the liver and hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) can prevent your child from developing chronic liver disease or liver cancer in future. It is administered three times, the first dose is given within a short period after birth for all infants before hospital discharge; the second and third are usually given at 1 to 2 months and 6 to 18 months of age.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

The Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) offers protection against infections such as meningitis, blood infections, and pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. PCV immunizations are given as a series of four injections at ages of 2- , 4- , 6- months and last dose between 12 and 15 months.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP vaccine) is a combination vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The DTaP is scheduled as a series of 5 injections at ages 2- , 4- , 6- months, between 15 and 18 months, and the last dose between 4 and 6 years. After these initial shots, a booster dose of the vaccine Tdap must be administered between 11 and 12 years or to the older teens and adults those who have not received a booster with pertussis coverage. Booster doses of Td (tetanus and diphtheria) should be given every 10 years thereafter.

Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine

Hemophilus influenza type B (Hib) disease is a serious condition caused by Haemophilus influenza Type B bacteria. The Hib vaccine is given at ages 2- , 4- , and 6- months and a booster dose is given between 12 and 15 months. It provides long term protection from Hemophilus influenza type b infections.

Poliovirus Vaccine

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is administered to protect your child from polio. Poliomyelitis or polio is a disease caused by polioviruses that can damage the nervous system, cause paralysis and can lead to death. Poliovirus vaccine is usually given at four doses at age 2 months, 4 months, between 6 and 18 months and between 4 and 6 years.

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza, commonly called as flu is a contagious respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all people aged 6 months and above. Influenza vaccines were administered during the outbreak of H1N1 flu.

Measles, Mumps, and German Measles/Rubella Vaccine

The measles, mumps, and German Measles/rubella (MMR) vaccine protect against measles, mumps and German Measles/rubella. The MMR vaccines are injected as two doses, the first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second dose between 4 and 6 years.

Varicella Vaccine

Varicella vaccine protects against chicken pox, one of the common and a highly contagious childhood viral disease. The vaccine is recommended in children between 12 and 15 months, followed by a booster dose between 4 and 6 years for further protection.

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is a vaccine used to protect infants and young children against meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection caused by meningococcal bacteria. It is usually given between the age of 11 and 12 years.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A infection causes flu-like symptoms. The vaccine is given at two doses, first dose at 12 months and the second dose at 18 months.

Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea among infants and young children. The vaccine which is a liquid given by mouth in a three-dose, first dose at 3 months, the second dose at 4 months, and the third dose at 6 months. The third dose must be given before 32 weeks of age.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine

Human (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts and precancerous changes in the uterine cervix leading to cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended in a three-dose schedule over a 6 month period; in girls, the vaccine is recommended between 11 and 12 years and also in older girls who were not vaccinated before. The vaccine is recommended for boys between 9 and 18 years to prevent the development of genital warts.

Side Effects

Some vaccines may cause mild temporary side effects such as fever and soreness or swelling and redness at the site of injection. Serious reactions are rare and if any serious reactions are observed consult your pediatrician immediately. Your pediatrician may discuss with you all the possible risks and benefits of immunization.
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