1. What are the health benefits and risks associated with vaccinating your child and why is it so important ?

2. Immunisation is surrounded by misconceptions. Some parents are concerned about vaccine safety and effectiveness. But the risk of complications from childhood diseases like measles, is much higher than the risk of immunisation reactions.

3. Immunisation reactions are generally mild and resolve by themselves without needing medical treatment. Reactions may include fever and soreness at the injection site. Serious immunisationreactions are exceptionally rare.

4. ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNISATION Common adverse events following immunisation are usually mild and temporary (occurring in the first few days after vaccination, unless otherwise stated). Specific treatment is not usually required. If the adverse event following immunisation is unexpected, persistent and/or severe, or if you are worried aboutyour child’s condition, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible, or go directly to a hospital. Adverse events that occur following immunisation may be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (www.tga.gov.au) or to the Adverse Medicines Events line on 1300 134 237, or discuss with your immunisationprovider as to how reports are submitted in your state or territory.

5. Researchers have not established any link to autism, diabetes or sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)from a child being vaccinated.Serious side effects or allergic reactions to vaccines are rare.

6. Without causing infection, vaccines trick the immune system into responding as if the body is under attack from a specific bacterium or virus.

7. The immune system is a collection of specialised cells and chemicals that fight infection. It can destroy it quickly, often before the person even notices any symptoms of illness

8. The immune systems of babies are not protected through the placenta or breastfeeding. This makes them exposed to many germs as part of the normal birthing process. Including those from the vaginal canal, feces and breast milk. The immune system in an infant is still developing and needs to become active to protect against a range of bacteria and viruses.

9. Recommended ages for immunisation For further information please visit Medicare Australia http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/australian-childhood-immunisation-register

10. Some vaccines are specifically recommended for use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

12. What vaccines are recommended for adults? Yearly seasonal influenza vaccinations are recommended for adults as well as children who would like to be protected against influenza. More vaccines are becoming available and recommended for use during adulthood. Of the vaccines recommended for adults, currently only seasonal influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Details of current seasonal influenza program details are available at: http://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/immunise-influenza

13. Vaccines provide a safe and efficient way to prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Every vaccine used in Australia has been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness and approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

14. Conclusion: If enough people in the community are immunised,the infection can no longer be spread from person to person and the disease dies out altogether. This is how smallpox was eliminated from the world and polio has disappeared from many countries.

16. CONTACT DETAILS FOR AUSTRALIAN, HEALTH Australian Government health authorities Australian Government 02 6289 1555 Department of Health Free call: 1800 671 811 www.immunise.health.gov.au State and territory government health authorities Australian Capital Territory - 02 6205 2300 Immunisation Enquiry Line New South Wales - 1300 066 055 (to connect to your local Public Health Unit) Northern Territory - 08 8922 8044 Centre for Disease Control STATE AND TERRITORY GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES Queensland - 13 HEALTH (13 4325 84) Contact your local Public Health Unit, details at www.health.qld.gov.au/cdcg/contacts.asp South Australia - 1300 232 272 (8.30 am to 5.00 pm) Email: CDCB@health.sa.gov.auwww.sahealth.sa.gov.au Tasmania – 03 6222 7666 or 1800 671 738 Victoria - 1300 882 008 Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.auwww.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation Western Australia - 08 9388 4868 08 9328 0553 (after hours Infectious Diseases Emergency) Email: cdc@health.wa.gov.au

17. References Australian Government Department of Health. (2014). Immunise Australia Program. Retrieved from http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/home Australian Government Department of Health. (updated 2014). The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013 [pdf download]. Retrieved from http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/EE1905BC65D40BCFCA257B26007FC8CA/$File/handbook-Jan2014v2.pdf Law, B. (2012). Adverse reactions. Retrieved from http://www.dailylife.com.au/health-and-fitness/dl-wellbeing/adverse-reactions-20120507-1y7qm.html Campbell, L. (2014). I'm a Vaccine-Wary Mom. Retrieved from, http://mom.me/baby/8919-im-vaccine-wary-mom/ Malone, K., & Hinman, AR. (n.d). Vaccination Mandates, The Public Health Imperative and Individual Rights [pdf download]. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/guides-pubs/downloads/vacc_mandates_chptr13.pdf National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. (2012). Adult vaccinations -vaccines for Australia adults: information for immunisation providers [pdf download]. Retrieved from, http://www.ncirs.edu.au/immunisation/fact-sheets/adult-vaccination-fact-sheetV2.pdf