Enrolment requirements in Victoria

• By law, immunisations must be up to date before your child starts childcare and kindergarten. You must provide the service with a current Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register to finalise enrolment for your child.
• You can access your child’s immunisation statement at any time by visiting: Medicare Online Services at the Australian Immunisation Register website 

What if my child has had immunisations overseas?

• You can get overseas immunisations added to the Australian Immunisation Register.
• You need to take a translated copy of your child’s overseas immunisation history to your GP. They will check the vaccines your child has had and tell you if any additional ones are required. They will update the AIR with immunisations given overseas as well as any new ones. 

Further FAQs for vaccinations 

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/questions-about-vaccination.pdf

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-childhood

What is an Asthma Plan, how often should it be updated?

With the right medication and a daily management plan in place, children and adults with asthma can control their condition and live their lives fully.

Every person with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan in writing. It should be followed every day.

An Asthma Action Plan provides clear information and instructions for managing your asthma. It includes easy-to-read information about your medications, symptoms and danger signs.

Information in the plan includes:

• Medications when well
• Medications when not well
• Medications and instructions when getting worse
• Danger signs – when to call an ambulance

Your child’s AAP should be reviewed and updated yearly. For more information see the Asthma Australia website.

What is an allergy, how can our GP's help?

Food allergy can develop at any age, but is most common in children less than 5 years old.

An allergy is when the immune system reacts to an allergen in the environment which is usually harmless (e.g. food, pollen, dust), or bites, stings and medications.

An allergic reaction happens when a person develops symptoms following exposure to an allergen.

Confirmation of allergies by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist is required. You GP can arrange a referral to see a local allergy specialist. 

Mild-moderate symptoms:

• Swelling of face, lips or eyes
• Hives/welts on the skin
• Abdominal pain/vomiting

Severe signs of allergic reaction:

• Difficulty/noisy breathing
• Swelling of tongue
• Swelling/tightness in the throat
• Difficulty talking
• Wheeze or persistent cough
• Persistent dizziness
• Fainting
• Pale and floppy (young children

Less common symptoms of food allergy: 

• infantile colic, reflux, eczema, chronic diarrhoea