Note the ages to act this World Immunisation Week

It's World Immunisation Week from April 24 to 30. To mark its start, Dr Thinzar Mon, a general practitioner at Parkes Street General Practice, is reminding the community of the importance of vaccination in protecting against serious infectious diseases.

Dr Mon explains that immunisations work by inserting a "weakened or inactivated virus into the body, so that the immune system can recognise these germs as being foreign and start to create antibodies to protect against future infection.

"Vaccines are a safe way of triggering an immune response in the body without causing illness."

For children, the key vaccination dates recommended are at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 4 years. Vaccines at these ages protect against a range of diseases. For adolescents and adults, those recommended to receive vaccines include Year 7 students, Year 10 students, all populations aged 70 years and above, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and above.

Dr Mon highly recommends that everyone, aged 6 months and above, get a flu shot each year, as it is the best way to prevent influenza. An annual vaccination reduces the risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines are also recommended every 10 years. Certain patients who have significant medical conditions are also recommended to receive the booster doses of some immunisations.

For COVID-19 immunisation, booster doses are recommended for all adults if it has been 6 months or more since their last COVID-19 vaccine or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Dr Mon emphasises the importance of vaccinating on time to give children the best protection against disease. She also reminds patients with significant medical conditions to consult their local GP for immunisation advice.