Immmunisations & Flu Vaccinations in Redfern and Sydney CBD

Tetanus vaccine

What is the Tetanus vaccine for?

This particular vaccine provides effective protection against the Clostridium tetani bacteria-produced toxin (poison) that causes tetanus or lockjaw. This bacteria grows in faeces (manure) and the soil; however, it can also exist just about anywhere in the environment. In case you have any wound/cut on your hand, it can get contaminated with this bacteria, which then enters the blood stream. Tetanus isn’t a contagious disease and you can’t really catch it from anyone.

It’s important to keep in mind that tetanus can be fatal. This toxin affects the spinal cord and brain nerves. The result is that it causes stiffness in your jaw and shoulder muscles as well as stiffness in your neck. Apart from this, it also causes difficulty in talking, an abnormal heart beat and painful muscle spasm.

Some facts about tetanus

• These vaccines are given at no charge, to all children- this part of the National Immunisation Program
• This tetanus vaccine is administered as part of a combined vaccine
• There are 3 vaccinations
Even though the tetanus disease isn’t really common in Australia, it’s very important to ensure that you’ve been vaccinated; this is because you can be affected by this infection even via a small wound or cut
• Typically, tetanus infections happen in older people who’ve never been vaccinated or who were vaccinated a very long time ago
• Taking a complete course of tetanus vaccinations helps protect you against this infection for a number of years.

Adults

Your doctor might recommend that you have the tetanus-containing booster vaccination if you’re 50 years/older & if you haven’t had a tetanus booster vaccination in the last 10 years/ in case you’ve been injured/ before travelling. If you aren’t too sure, you can ask your doctor for advice.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women can also be given the tetanus vaccine. There isn’t any kind of known risk to the unborn baby.

Women who’re breastfeeding

In general, there isn’t any known risk to your baby, as long as you are vaccinated with any vaccine (apart from the yellow fever vaccine), when you are breastfeeding.

HPV Vaccinations

The National HPV Vaccination Program was launched to protect both males & females against a variety of diseases & cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Starting February 2013, free HPV vaccine has been provided via the school-based program. It involves a 3 dose schedule, delivered at 0, 2 & 6 months, to provide the best protection against HPV. If your child has missed the HPV School Programme, we at Citydoc Medical Centre can provide doses of the vaccine that your child has missed. You only have to call us and make an appointment and we will organise for this vaccine.

The other vaccinations we provide are:

• Rubella vaccinations in Pre-Conception Planning - We can test for immunity to Rubella & offer a Booster before conception
• Pertussis or whooping cough in babies

We are highly committed to improving overall health of the people from various demographics. If you need any more information about the different immunisations and flu vaccinations, do call Citydoc today.