Your immunisation visit
On arrival you will be greeted by a staff member who will:
- issue you with a number,
- give you a pre-immunisation checklist, and
- will direct you to seating.
If you have any queries about your child's health, or concerns about whether your child should be immunised, ask the staff member before proceeding further.
When your number is called you should go to the administration desk and present your immunisation record book to a staff member seated behind a laptop computer. Please tell the staff member if your baby has had any illness or other vaccines in the last month. If all is in order, you will be given colour-coded cards for the immunisation your baby is to receive and an appointment date for your next visit.
You will be asked to take a seat at this point and undress baby in readiness for immunisation. Children under 12 months of age are given injections in the legs and over 12 months of age in the arms. When there are two injections on the same day, they are given at different sites, for example the left arm and right arm.
Registered immunisation nurses are present at each of the sessions to administer the vaccines. When you hand them the colour-coded cards you will be asked if your child is well or had any previous problems. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about immunisation. An information sheet is available outlining possible reactions and giving details of the appropriate remedy.
Injections are given while you hold your baby. Afterwards you will be asked to return to the seating area and remain at the venue for about 15 minutes. This is a precautionary measure in case your baby has a reaction. An adverse reaction to immunisation will usually happen within a few minutes of receiving the injection. Signs to look for are skin rash, facial swelling, pallor, limpness, or breathing difficulties. If you are at all worried go back to the nurse immediately.
