Children's and Adolescent Health
Infants
Babies attend for regular appointments in the first twelve months of life. Their first encounter with their family doctor is usually at their 6-week check, in which a thorough examination is conducted, and during which time parents can ask questions and discuss how they and their baby are managing. We recommend that a 30 minutes appointment is made for the six week check so that any questions or concerns can be addressed.
Parents often require advice about their growing baby. Common concerns include issues around feeding, sleeping, reflux, teething, growth and development. Parents of young babies may require help and advice concerning breast feeding or the correct choice of formula for their child.
The current vaccination schedule includes immunisations given at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of age. Immunisation protects children from preventable and potentially dangerous diseases. Some preventable diseases are becoming more common in the community which makes protecting babies against these illnesses as important as ever.
There are also some vaccines recommended by our GPs that are not on the free National Immunisation Program). Please ask your doctor about other vaccines recommended in childhood
Toddlers
As toddlers start to move and communicate, their medical needs may change. Common concerns raised by parents of infants or toddlers include: hearing and speech development, movement and motor development, behavioral issues, sleep and night terrors and diet.
The vaccination schedule for infants includes immunization given at 18 months
Children
As children progress through kinder and school new issues or concerns may arise. These may include learning difficulties, social difficulties, anxiety and school refusal, behavioural problems, difficulty controlling weight, vision and eye health, allergies, bed-wetting, and development. Parents, teachers and doctors work as a team in the care of school-aged children: both in recognising and then in managing health issues.
The vaccination schedule for infants includes immunizations given at 4 years old.
At their 4 year vaccination appointment the opportunity is taken to discuss the child’s overall health. This is the last formal appointment on the schedule before starting school. Height, weight, hearing, development, behaviour, diet and activity levels are discussed during this visit.
Adolescents
Adolescence refers to the period between the onset of puberty and maturity. Themes addressed in adolescence can be complex. It is important to talk to parent and adolescent together, but then also set aside time to talk to the adolescent one-on-one.
Concerns particular to adolescence include anxiety, stress and mental health issues, identity, independence, social skills and friendships, education about drugs and alcohol, education about personal safety, behavioural problems and risk taking, puberty and physical development, learning difficulties, obesity, body image issues, diet, exercise, sleep, and interest in relationships and dating. Education about sex also becomes important at this stage.
The vaccination schedule for adolescents includes immunizations given at 12 to 13 years old and 14 to 16 years old.