Immunisations at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service

Immunisations are a simple, safe and effective way to protect children against preventable diseases. It is estimated that 2 to 3 million deaths are prevented every year because of vaccinations. Immunisations protect all children from harmful infections before they are exposed to them in the community. It uses your body’s natural defense mechanism, called your immune system, to build resistance to specific infections.

It is widely recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher rates of some vaccine preventable diseases than non-Indigenous persons. This is not necessarily due to being of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander background, but rather due to the higher rates of underlying chronic health conditions and social circumstances that can lead to an increase in disease burden.

Our aim at Umoona Health Services is to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-4 years are fully vaccinated. We have fully qualified nurses who are trained in childhood immunisations which allows your child to be vaccinated all year round. If there are children who are late and require catch-up immunisations, we are creating programs that will target these individuals. These programs are held at our Healthy for Life building and on these days, we incorporate fun activities for both the children and their mothers to encourage attendance. This helps us to promote and educate women on the importance of why your child should be vaccinated. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are due or have missed a routine childhood vaccination are welcome to attend the clinic and meet with one of our nurses.