Immunisations   

All of the Doctors and Nurses at Wantirna Medical Clinic are highly trained and experienced in providing advice on vaccines for patients aged 6 weeks and beyond.

We are able to administer all free vaccines included in the National Immunisation Medicare Program (childhood, adolescent and adult vaccinations), as well as most vaccines needed for overseas travel and work requirements.

We have a stock of non-government funded vaccines available for purchase (subject to availability) or can provide a prescription for less common vaccines which can be administered at the clinic once filled.

Appointments for vaccinations included in the National Immunisation Program can be made with our Practice Nurse who will administer the appropriate vaccines under the direction of one of our Doctors.

Appointments are now available for Covid-19 Vaccinations

Booster appointments can be booked for other patients aged >18 years no less than 6 months after a previous Covid vaccine dose, or 6 months since a Covid infection.

Pfizer Bivalent is the preferred vaccine for booster doses. We do not offer Moderna or Novavax.

Getting ready for your appointment:

Please do not come to your vaccination appointment:

  • if you are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19
  • if you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19
  • if you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, or
  • if you are in quarantine.

You can also read this patient factsheet developed by the Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-preparing-for-covid-19-vaccination

 

Annual influenza vaccination

Everyone should get an annual influenza vaccine anytime from mid-April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September.

However, it’s never too late to be vaccinated as influenza can spread all year round. Pregnant women should receive the vaccine at any stage during pregnancy.

Influenza vaccines for different ages

Age restrictions apply to all influenza vaccine brands. There is a formulation for people aged under 65 years and formulations for people aged 65 years and older. Please ensure you are receiving the appropriate vaccine for your age.

Eligibility for the free influenza vaccine

The following people are eligible to receive a free seasonal flu vaccine:

  • people aged six months to less than five years
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged  six months and older
  • pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
  • people aged 65 years and older
  • people aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications:
    • cardiac disease
    • chronic respiratory conditions
    • chronic neurological conditions
    • immunocompromising conditions
    • diabetes and other metabolic disorders
    • renal disease
    • haematological disorders
    • children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.

Children under nine years receiving their influenza vaccination for the first time require two doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum of one month.

Possible side effects of the influenza vaccine

The influenza vaccine can cause side effects. In children under five years of age, these reactions may be more obvious. Common side effects of influenza vaccine include:

  • drowsiness or tiredness
  • muscle aches
  • localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
  • occasionally, an injection-site lump (nodule) that may last many weeks but needs no treatment
  • low-grade temperature (fever).