Outreach immunisation clinic brings care closer for Aboriginal families
In the heart of La Perouse lies the Aboriginal Community Health Centre, where every second Tuesday morning, a dedicated team provides opportunistic immunisations to Aboriginal bubs and their families.
This outreach initiative, led by Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick (SCH), in collaboration with the Public Health Unit (PHU), works to educate and support families about childhood immunisations, with a current focus this winter on flu and RSV.
鈥淲e鈥檙e seeing significant increases in hospitalisations due to flu and RSV, so it's crucial that we provide better access to these immunisations for bubs and their families within their own community,鈥� Emma Birrell, Registered Nurse in the Opportunistic Child Immunisation Service at SCH said.
Flu and RSV can be serious, especially for young bubs. In NSW, all Aboriginal bubs born after 31 October 2023 are eligible for the free RSV immunisation, Beyfortus. In addition, the flu immunisation is available free for the whole family. These immunisations are offered at the La Perouse clinic.
The immunisation clinic is run through the support of many staff including pharmacy, medical professionals, Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs), and nurses. The team work together to engage local schools and childcare centres, to drive community engagement and awareness.
The clinic aims to overcome barriers preventing families from immunising their bubs, striving not only to increase immunisation rates but also to enhance accessibility. Integration into the La Perouse community is vital in achieving these goals.
鈥淒uring visits to the Centre, we provide immunisations for bubs through working closely with our staff including Aunty Bev, Aunty Lola, and child and family health to ensure culturally safe care for the families we see. Families can just drop in to La Pa or give us a call and book an appointment鈥�, Kelsey Fletcher, Registered Nurse in the Opportunistic Child Immunisation Service at SCH said.
However, the team鈥檚 role extends beyond immunisations. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 just about having a yarn, I enjoy just chatting and spending time with families, building rapport and relationships,鈥� Emma said.
The nurses also provide education about on time immunisations to families. "I recall one family that was hesitant at first, but we spent a lot of time having a yarn and providing education so they could make an informed decision about their bubs health. It was a great feeling providing the child with their first immunisations and to support the family鈥�, Kelsey said.
The Aboriginal Community Health Centre paediatric clinics offer a range of direct health services including immunisation, general medical and dental care, practical health education, and a supportive environment for young Aboriginal parents and their children.
For more information, see Aboriginal Health, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick