Children's health and immunisations in South Morang

What children's health care do you offer?

Our GPs look after children from newborns through to older teenagers. Book for any of the following, or for anything else you're concerned about:

• Childhood immunisations, plus catch-up doses for any that were missed
• The Medicare Healthy Kids Check at age 3
• Coughs and colds, ear infections, rashes, fevers and tummy bugs
• Asthma, eczema and allergies
• Growth, feeding, sleep, development and behaviour
• Health care for teenagers, including time with the GP on their own

Your GP can refer your child for tests or to another health professional if needed. For blood tests, Dorevitch Pathology collects on site, and prescriptions can be filled at Lakes Boulevard Medical Pharmacy in the same building.

Which vaccines does my child need, and when?

The National Immunisation Program schedule sets out the government-funded vaccines for children who have a Medicare number. The main childhood doses are below, and your GP will check what's due at any visit.

Some children need extra vaccines, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, babies born prematurely and children with certain medical conditions. Your GP will let you know.

What happens at a vaccination appointment?

First your child is checked to make sure they're well enough to be vaccinated, and you can ask questions before anything is given. Who gives childhood vaccines at Lakes Boulevard: [To be confirmed: whether a practice nurse or the GP gives childhood vaccines at Lakes Boulevard].

After the vaccines, you wait at the clinic for 15 minutes in case of a reaction. A sore arm or leg, a little redness or a low fever are common, and usually settle quickly.

Should my child have a flu vaccine?

Everyone aged 6 months and over is advised to have a flu vaccine each year. For children aged 6 months to under 5 years, it's government-funded. A child having a flu vaccine for the first time may need 2 doses. Your GP can advise, and our vaccinations guide has more detail.

What is the Healthy Kids Check?

The Healthy Kids Check is a single Medicare check-up for 3-year-olds, available from the third birthday up to the day before the fourth. Your GP checks growth, development, hearing, vision and general wellbeing, so anything that needs attention can be picked up well before school starts. Read our Healthy Kids Check guide for the full details.

How do I get my child's immunisation history?

Every vaccine your child receives goes on the Australian Immunisation Register. You can get their Immunisation History Statement through myGov, by phoning Services Australia, or by asking us. Victorian child care centres, kindergartens and primary schools ask for it at enrolment.

Some family payments, including the full rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A and child care fee assistance, also depend on your child's vaccines being up to date, unless they have an approved exemption or are on a catch-up schedule.

Can teenagers see a GP on their own?

Yes. Young people can have a private appointment with a GP, and they can get their own Medicare card from age 15. Teenagers can talk to their GP about anything, from pimples and sport injuries to stress and mood. Kids Helpline is there any time on 1800 55 1800.

What happens at your child's appointment?

1. Book. Book online or ring reception. For vaccinations, tell us which ones are due so the right appointment is booked.
2. Choose your doctor. You can book with any of our GPs. See our GPs below.
3. The visit. Your child is examined, any vaccines that are due are given, and your questions are answered.
4. Wait 15 minutes after vaccines. This is in case of a reaction, and it's a good time for a cuddle or a feed.
5. What's next. You'll leave knowing when the next vaccines or check-up are due.

What should I bring to my child's appointment?

• Your Medicare card with your child on it
• Your child's health and development record (the green book), if you have one
• A list of any medicines your child is taking
• Any questions about growth, sleep, feeding or behaviour
• A favourite toy or comforter

Are children's appointments bulk billed?

Bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Some procedures have an out-of-pocket fee. Without a valid Medicare card, the full fee applies.

National Immunisation Program vaccines are government-funded. If your child needs a vaccine outside the program, you're told the cost before it's given: [To be confirmed: cost of vaccines not on the National Immunisation Program at Lakes Boulevard].

How bulk billing works here →