In the midst of a measles outbreak, a new online tool has been launched by NSW Health to help parents keep their children's vaccinations on track. 'Vaccination is the best defense we have against serious diseases like measles,' said Minister for Health Ryan Park. 'With a recent spike in the community, it's crucial that parents are proactive and aware of the importance of timely vaccinations.'
The tool, accessible at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/myschedule, allows parents to create a customized vaccination schedule based on their child's date of birth. This schedule provides personalized guidance and practical reminders to ensure vaccinations are received on time, offering the best protection against serious diseases.
Immunization is a critical component of community health, preventing the spread of serious illnesses. This new tool is part of the government's efforts to improve access to care and reduce pressure on the health system. In NSW, vaccinations are provided for free for a range of highly contagious diseases, including whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox.
The immunisation schedule is carefully timed by experts to ensure children receive the highest level of protection for each disease. Delaying or missing vaccinations can put children at increased risk of serious disease. In NSW, over 90% of children are fully immunised, but there's still room for improvement to protect both children and the wider community.
Research commissioned by NSW Health found that many parents and caregivers felt uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start when it came to vaccinating their child. To address this, the tool includes a 'add to calendar' feature, which automatically adds a child's vaccination dates to the parent's phone calendar. Parents will receive a reminder one week before the vaccination date, along with a calendar entry on their phone for the day the vaccination is due.
It's important to note that the personalized vaccination schedule is a guide only. Parents should always consult with their immunisation provider before their child has a vaccine. Vaccinations are available from GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, some local councils, and community health centers. You can also find a vaccination provider on the healthdirect website (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services).
If your child has missed a vaccine, it's crucial to speak with your GP, nurse, or Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS). For more information, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaccinate. 'Delaying vaccines can leave children unprotected during crucial stages of development,' said Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Acting Director of Health Protection at NSW Health. 'We strongly encourage parents to book their children in at the recommended ages when the vaccination works best.'
'Even if your child has a runny nose or a mild cold, don't delay vaccination. Talk to your doctor or nurse to ensure your child is protected as early as possible,' she added. 'We know that most missed childhood vaccinations in NSW are due to delays from parents who are time-poor, overwhelmed, or confused by the amount of information out there. So, we wanted to create a trustworthy, easy-to-understand tool that reflects their child's individual needs.'
