“Mum first signed me up so I could interact more with the community,” said Livia. “It’s hard for me to be around groups of people, so karate helps me interact with others in a safe environment. It also encourages me to leave the house and feel more comfortable being part of a group.” Livia’s story is a wonderful example of how community support can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Anyone interested in supporting initiatives like these and making a positive impact in the local community is encouraged to consider joining Eumundi Rotary. The club meets every Thursday at the Eumundi QCWA Hall at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. Visit: eumundirotary.org.au.
HEALTH Protecting our children Every parent wants to give their child the healthiest possible start in life. One of the safest and most effective ways to protect them from serious infectious diseases is through routine childhood immunisation. Vaccines have transformed child health worldwide, preventing millions of illnesses and saving countless lives each year. Diseases that once caused significant disability and death – such as polio, diphtheria, measles, and whooping cough – are now uncommon in Australia, largely because of high vaccination rates. How vaccines work Vaccines help the body's immune system recognise and fight harmful bacteria and viruses without causing the disease itself. Once vaccinated, the immune system develops a memory of the infection, allowing it to respond quickly if the child is exposed in the future. Why is it important to vaccinate on time? Children are most vulnerable during infancy and early childhood. The National Immunisation Program has designed schedules, so children receive protection when they need it most. Delaying vaccinations can leave children unprotected during this critical period and may increase the risk of disease transmission within the community. Protecting more than just your child Vaccination
also protects those who cannot be vaccinated, including newborn babies, people receiving cancer treatment, and individuals with weakened immune systems. When enough people are immunised, diseases find it much harder to spread – a concept known as community (herd) immunity. Are vaccines safe? Vaccines used in Australia undergo rigorous testing before approval and are monitored for safety after they are available. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, slight fever or fussiness. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, particularly when compared with the potentially severe complications of vaccinepreventable diseases. The role of parents. Parents play a vital role in keeping their children healthy by following the recommended immunisation schedule, keeping an up-to-date vaccination record, discussing any concerns with their GP or practice nurse, and attending catch-up vaccinations if any doses have been missed. Dr Lisha Pollocks, GP – Cooroy Family Medical
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