Immunisation

Child recieving immunisation shot

Immunisation is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your children and others in our community against certain diseases through immunisation programs.

When a large percentage of the population is immunised against some specific diseases, it becomes harder for that disease to spread. When enough people in the community are immunised the infection can no longer be spread from person to person and the disease could die out altogether.

Immunisation is a simple, safe and highly effective way of protecting children and adults from harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. It is estimated that vaccinations currently save up to 2.5 million lives worldwide each year.

Location: regular immunisation clinics, run by Pop-Up Medics, are held in the Unley Civic Centre (Council Chamber entrance, via Oxford Terrace).

Bookings are by appointment only. Clinic open times and bookings can be made online or by phoning Pop-Up Medics on 1300 858 047.

View clinic times and book online

How immunisation works

Immunisation uses the body’s natural defence mechanism – the immune response. When a person is vaccinated, their body produces an immune response in the same way their body would after exposure to a disease, but without the person suffering symptoms of the disease. When a person comes in contact with that disease in the future, their immune system will rapidly produce antibodies to prevent or reduce the severity of the disease.

Young children, particularly babies, do not have a well-developed immune system like older children and adults. Most vaccines need to be given more than once to build long lasting protection. It is important for children to complete the full recommended course or schedule of vaccinations at the recommended times. Sometimes it is possible to ‘catch-up’ the doses if the vaccinations are not given on time. Not getting the full course of vaccinations can leave a child unprotected and at risk of disease.

What to know before getting immunised

A Pop-Up Medics immunisation nurse will check if you can be vaccinated by completing a pre-vaccination screening. Before you consent to being vaccinated they will discuss the effects of the disease, the possible side effects of vaccination and what to do to reduce the side effects.

Pop-Up Medics offers immunisation clinics on behalf of the City of Unley at the Unley Town Hall (next to the Civic Library). Pop-Up Medics immunisation clinics - by appointment only - have no service fee. Vaccinations funded through the National Immunisation Program Schedule are free when you have a valid Medicare card. For a full list of all clinic times please download the 2020 City of Unley Immunisation Clinic Timetable above.

Further information about immunisations is available from SA Health.

Available vaccinations

Immunisation is available for protection against the following diseases:

  • Poliomyelitis

  • Whooping cough

  • Tetanus

  • Diphtheria

  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella

  • Hepatitis 'A'

  • Hepatitis 'B'

  • Haemophilus influenzae b

  • Varicella (chickenpox) and meningococcal C (for specific age groups)

  • Invasive pneumococcal disease

  • Meningococcal ACYW and Men B

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is available at all clinics from April 2020.

Protect yourself and your family - book flu vaccinations today!

  • FREE for 6 months to < 5 years

  • FREE for > 65 years

  • FREE for pregnant women

  • FREE for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged > 6 months

  • FREE for people with specified medical conditions

  • $25.00 fee for all others.

Bookings are by appointment only and can be made online or by phoning Pop-Up Medics on 1300 858 047.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to the immunisation clinic?

Please bring your child's Personal Health Record book and Medicare Card.

What do I do if I require a catch-up immunisation?

Contact Pop-Up Medics to allow our nurses to assess your records and schedule any vaccinations that are due prior to your preferred clinic. Please provide a copy of all previous Immunisation History in English or translated into English to assist with development of the catch-up schedule.

How do I access flu vaccine?

Pop-Up Medics offers flu vaccine from April to December each year for a fee.  Please book online for administration of the Flu vaccination. This is an important vaccine for adults and children. You may fit one of the criteria for a free influenza vaccine. For more information on this, visit the SA Health Immunisation website or ask the nurse at the clinic.

Can I bring my own vaccines?

No, all vaccines administered at our clinics are provided by Pop-Up Medics to ensure the cold chain is maintained and the vaccines remain potent prior to administration.

 

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