At Family Medicine Umina Beach, we provide and administer all childhood vaccines as per the New South Wales edition of National Immunization Schedule as well as catch up vaccines. Routine immunizations are done at 2 months (from 6 weeks), 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 4 yrs.

Even if you are not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident your child would be eligible for free vaccinations (Fees may apply for consultation appointment).

Please notify reception when making appointments for immunizations. (Please do not make online appointments) Generally we book your child with our doctor and nurse for immunizations. Be prepared to stay in the practice for about 45 minutes. The doctor or nurse would need to discuss with you about how your child is progressing, go through the questions in the relevent section of the Blue Book (or equivalent from other states) measure your childs weight and height besides other checks and administer the relevent vaccines. We would also suggest you stay within the practice premises for atleast 15 minutes before you leave (So we can act immediately if your child were to get any reactions to the vaccination)

The commonest health needs of children are infections and injuries. Most of these are minor. A lot of this can self resolve and looking at reputed resources such as The Sydney Children's Hospital or the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne websites. Those are guidelines followed by health professionals throughout the country. Immunization related information can be found at the Immunization Website. However, there are certain things, which you are aware can be very helpful.

These are the commonest problems for children. These group of infections include problems such as fever, cough, sore throat, cough, sore ear etc. Sometimes they may also present with a rash. They can often be managed at home. Giving your child medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is quiet a reasonable thing to do. (We do not need to see how sick your child was, so you do not need to avoid giving medications when bringing the child to see us)

When should you bring your child to be checked

• You are worried that your chid doesnt have a simple minor illness.
• Child only has a low grade temperature but is very ill.
• A prolonged illness. (Any persisting illness more than 5 days)
• Child is not feeding well.
• Decreased wet nappies (or not passing as much urine).
• A non blanching rash may warrant an immediate visit to us or to the Emergency Deparment.
• Feel free to look at the above mentioned websites for any clarification
• If in doubt bring your child for a review.

In the digital age, we would be hippocritical to ask you not to google conditions. However, looking at some random google results could mislead you or send you through some dangerous or stressful paths. The following sites could shed you light onto most of your concerns about your bub. You may also find some info about medical jargon some of us doctors may have used . . . 

1. Immunizations related information can be obtained from here.

2. For common childhood problems such as fever, cough, diarrhoea etc you can visit the Sydney Children's Hospital Factsheets or Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Parents Information pages.