Children ’s Hea lth Immunisation among Australian children Since its introduction to Australian children in 1932, deaths caused by preventable diseases have fallen by 99%, despite a corresponding three-fold increase in the population. It’s hard to imagine, but before major vaccination campaigns of the 60s and 70s, diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and whopping cough killed thousands of children every year. According to the National Health Performance Authority (NHPA), as recorded in March 91% of one year olds, 87.6% of two year olds and 92.3% of five year olds are fully vaccinated. In order for immunisation to work effectively, experts say that 90% of the population must be immunised, and even 95% for some diseases, such as measles. Although the rate of immunisation in Australia has increased since the Childhood Immunisation Register was established in 1996, so too have vaccination objection rates. Around 70,000 children are currently unvaccinated, with 39,000 of those because their parents are vaccine objectors. NHPA has also recognised that of 325 Medicare ‘statistical areas’ that are used to compare vaccination rates, 32 are at risk of outbreak of contagious diseases like measles and whooping cough. Why do people support immunisation? It is estimated that vaccinations save around three million lives around the world each year. Immunisation is the most significant public health intervention in the last 200 years, and is considered a safe and efficient safeguard for the health of your family and community. Being vaccinated protects those that are too young to be vaccinated or are vulnerable to serious health complications, such as the elderly or critically ill. History shows a number of examples of vaccination success, including the eradication of smallpox in 1980 following a World Health Organisation campaign, the near-elimination of polio following the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and the elimination of measles from Australia in 2014. ✔ Tired of waking up more than once through the night to urinate? ✔ Embarrassed at having to race to the toilet? ✔ Annoyed at taking “water works” tablets each day that don’t seem to help? Well it’s time to seek out an expert, as you may be causing irreversible damage to your bladder or kidneys… Robina: Suite 8, HQ Building Cnr Laver & Riverwalk Dr Robina QLD, 4226 The Department of Health highlights that immunisation not only protects your child, but it also prevents the spread of disease through contact with other children. Through communal, or ‘herd’ immunity, in which the high majority of people are immune to disease, those who are vulnerable and/ or unvaccinated will not be exposed. This is pertinent to the ‘No Jab – No Play and No Pay’ policy, as young children are not only more vulnerable to disease, but experience higher amount of physical contact in childcare environments with other kids and carers. Criticism to the policy Despite the majority of Australians supporting child immunisation, there has been some criticism towards the policy. Some critics have pointed out that instead of addressing under-vaccination through engaging and working with parents, the policy can polarise communities and label these parents as ‘irresponsible’ and ‘free-riders benefitting off the immunity of others.’ Dr Martin Elmes Urological Surgeon Operating out of: Pindara Hospital John Flynn Hospital So if you’re ready to reclaim your life, then help is here…. Dr Martin Elmes, board certified urological surgeon, subspecialised in the latest and most precise advanced laser prostate surgery or HolEP: ~ Scientifically proven: Maximum gain & Minimum risk ~ Alternatively if your symptoms are only moderate and you just want to get off those pesky tablets, then you may benefit from the minimally invasive UROLIFT…. CALL TODAY – (07) 5598 0098 Pindara: Suite 11, Lvl 2, Pindara Pl 13 Carrara St Benowa QLD, 4217 Phone: (07) 5598 0098 | www.goldcoasturologist.com.au 48 Pindara Magazine 2015
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
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