This is a fabulous service, however it is recommended that on your first visit, particularly for the 2 month jabs, that you arrive early and that you have your partner or a friend with you for support. The reason for this suggestion is because of the Community Centre setup, it has chairs and a screened section in one corner, where the immunisations take place and many Mum's can find it tough when they hear the babies ahead of theirs crying from behind the screen (a pretty standard reaction to get an injection, no matter what your age is!).  Rest assured though, the staff do these injections countless times and know how to make it as quick as possible for your baby - that is, where 2 injections are required they will administer them at the same time (one in each leg). 

On the first visit you will need to fill out the Immunisation Registration form (which you can either download from the Mosman Council website or there are copies of the form available when you arrive); your child's medicare card and the Blue Book. After the first visit you will only need to bring the Blue Book and you will receive a reminder letter in the post when your child's next immunisations are due.

What to expect

When you arrive, take a number from the front desk and then take a seat. Your number will be called and you will go to the first desk for 'registration'.  THe following desk is where your blue book is filled out with the details of the immunisations and then finally you go behind the screen to have your baby immunised. 

At 2 months your child will first receive the Rotarix vaccine orally for Rotavirus.  Following that they will then have an injection in each leg, given simultaneously.  One is the Infanrix hexa for Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B and Polio and the other is Prevenar for Pneumoccal disease.  Giving the injections at the same time helps to minimise discomfort for the baby.  Your baby will probably cry following the injections, but if you feed your baby this will tend to calm them down pretty quickly.  You do need to stay at the clinic for about 10 minutes following the immunisations so this is the perfect opportunity to feed your bub.

At any age following immunisations, your child may be a bit drowsy, get a temperature and/or be unsettled for a few days. Baby Panadol does help so make sure you have some on hand just in case (always follow dosage instructions on the packet) and clear the calendar for at least that day so that you can just chill with your child.

The NSW immunisation schedule (as at May 2009) is listed below for your reference.

Where

The clinic is held in the Mosman Art Gallery and Community centre on the corner of Myahgah Road and Art Gallery Way (opposite Alan Border Oval). 

When

The clinics run from 9am to 11am and the dates for 2009 are: 19 May, 16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September, 20 October, 17 November, 15 December. 

Immunisation schedule for under 5 year olds

2 months: Infanrix hexa for Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B and Polio; Prevenar for Pneumococcal; Rotarix for Rotavirus

4 months: Infanrix hexa for Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B and Polio; Prevenar for Pneumococcal; Rotarix for Rotavirus

6 months: Infanrix hexa for Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B and Polio; Prevenar for Pneumococcal

12 months: Priorix for Measles, Mumps and Rubella; Hiberix for Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib); Meningitec for Meningococcal C; Prevenar for Pneumococcal (medical at-risk children only)

18 months: Varilrix for Varicella (Chicken pox)

4 years: Infanrix-IPV for Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Polio; Priorix for Measles, Mumps and Rubella; Pneumovax 23 for Pneumococcal (medical at-risk children only)