Immunisations | M3 Health Melbourne

Just as the human species develops and evolves, so do diseases causing viruses and bacteria. From time immemorial humankind has been battling new and evolving diseases, and over time have been successful in repressing most of them through vaccines or immunization.

What is immunisation?

Immunisation helps protect the body from certain diseases by using small amounts of the weakened or killed virus or bacteria. Once this is injected into the body, the body’s immune system takes over and starts creating antibodies against that specific disease-causing organism, or induces other processes that enhance immunity. When the body is exposed to that disease or organism again, the immune system is fully ready and armed to fight it. Immunisation can prevent you from getting a disease, or drastically reduce the severity of it.

Prevention is better than cure!

Immunisation helps prevent the spread of diseases. It has also helped thwart or eradicate certain diseases over the years.

Immunisation method

Immunisation is usually given by way of injection, although certain vaccines, such as the Rota Virus Vaccine can be administered as ingestible drops as well.

Who should get immunised?

Vaccines are usually given according to a set schedule depending on age. Certain standard vaccines are required to be given at a certain age to protect from life-threatening diseases or those that can cause permanent disability. Vaccines are generally required by:

• Infants and young children
• Pre-teens and teens
• Adults

Certain high-risk groups may need additional vaccinations as well, such as:

• Pregnant women
• Those with a higher risk of exposure to diseases, such as healthcare workers
• People with certain health conditions
• Military personnel
• Travellers

If the world were to stop immunisation, certain diseases that are almost at the point of eradication currently can once again raise its ugly head and become common, and controlling the spread of these diseases would be near impossible.

Immunisation saves millions of lives around the world each year, and there are currently vaccines available to prevent some 20+ diseases, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Cholera
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Japanese encephalitis
• Measles
• Meningitis
• Mumps
• Pertussis
• Pneumonia
• Polio
• Rabies
• Rotavirus
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Varicella
• Yellow fever

Benefits of immunisation:

• Protects you and your family from life-threatening diseases.
• Protects the health of the entire community by controlling the spread of diseases.
• Vaccinations are safe and effective.
• Saves you time and money spent if a serious disease is contracted.
• Protects future generations by near eradication of diseases.

Side effects

Certain immunisations can cause side effects, however, these are very mild in nature and temporary, usually lasting only about 1-2 days.

Some common side effects include:

• Mild fever
• Redness or swelling around the point of injection
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache

On very rare occasions certain immunisations could cause severe side effects such as allergic reactions, febrile seizure etc. Such instances are very rare, and if they do occur, happen very soon after the vaccine is administered. This Is why you are asked to wait for 15 minutes In the centre after your Immunisation so you have Immediate access to medical attention. 

However, the benefits of immunisation far outweigh the very rare risk of severe side effects, and vaccinations are highly recommended the world over by medical professionals.

Which M3 Clinics offer immunisations?

If you are looking for the Immunisations in Bayswater:

• M3 Health Bayswater

Shop 27-29, Mountain High Shopping Centre, 7-13 High Street, Bayswater, VIC 3153 | Phone 03 8820 0300 | Fax 03 9738 2200

If you are looking for the Immunisations in Hobsons Bay (Spotswood):

• M3 Health Hobsons Bay (Spotswood)

Level 1, 196-200 Hall Street, Spotswood, VIC 3015 | Phone 03 9391 2855 | Fax 03 9399 2755

How do I book an appointment?

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Protect yourself, your loved ones and the community from life-threatening diseases with the right immunisations at the right time.

Contact us today for an appointment.