A recent rise in the incidence of communicable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, has led to a nationwide rethink of immunisation programs.
Clearly, some people are not having their children or themselves immunised. A reason could be an inability to easily access services. With Councils generally responsible for organising immunisation programs, accessibility is a key issue.
The City of Tea Tree Gully in South Australia has the highest uptake rate in its region for a number of reasons. Nurse, Gabby Jones, said the service at Tea Tree Gully enjoys a high reputation, and people come back even when they have moved from the district.
“We benefit from having a strongly committed Council,” she said. “The facilities here are wonderful. The waiting area is well designed, with a great play area for children. On top of that we have a high staffing level.”
Gabby said concentrating the service in a central location is also helpful. “When we had the service available in outlying areas it was less well attended but this service, being close to major shopping centre, is very conveniently located,” she said.
“Importantly, because we have such a large number of young families we have regular sessions every Tuesday and Thursday so people know they can roll up, without an appointment, and receive immunisation.”
“Young babies can play havoc with appointments and, if immunisation only occurs once a month, parents have to wait another month if they miss that day. It is easy to forget in that time.
Tea Tree Gully also provides immunisation sessions out of hours for working parents. Gabby Jones said the service does not rely solely on people coming into the centre.
Regularly, staff visit schools, kindergartens and child care centres to ensure as many people as possible are informed about the service and how easily they can access it.
For further information contact Gabby Jones, telephone (08) 8397 7324.
