Nursing & Immunisation

At NEST, we understand that vaccines can sometimes be a bit unnerving. We aim to provide a relaxing and calm environment in a private treatment room for your routine childhood, school, pregnancy, or travel vaccinations. Our nurses have years of experience immunising children, adolescents and adults and are passionate about ensuring children are immunised to protect them against some of the most serious childhood infections. 

Not all recommended vaccines are provided as part of the regular Immunisation schedule. At NEST we strongly recommend all children receive privately funded vaccines including Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero) & Meningococcal ACWY. Children under the age of two years and young people aged 15-24 have the highest incidence of meningococcal disease. NEST stock all optional vaccines and these can be discussed further with our doctors or nurses.

Tips to prepare for immunisations

• Bring your child’s health and development book (green book) to every appointment. Although most records are now online sometimes these records need to be double checked. Having your child’s vaccines documented in their green book provides a consistent record.
  
  
• Preparation is key, it is important to talk with your nurse or doctor about your concerns about vaccines. Before administering any vaccine, the nurse will talk you through the process and develop an effective plan to ensure it is smooth and easy. If you have any requests from the nurse on how to approach yourself or your child, it is important to discuss these further.
  
  
• Bring along your child’s favourite toy or a treat for afterwards. Distraction, relaxation, and other measures reduce distress and pain after vaccinations in young children.
  
  
• Topical anaesthetics, such as EMLA or Angel cream, are not routinely recommended. They could be considered in a child with excessive fear.
  
  
• For older children, relaxation techniques can often be helpful.
  
  
• Vaccines are administered in the legs for children under the age of 12 months and in the arms for children over the age of 12 months. Therefore, we would recommend suitable clothing depending on your child’s age.

The Royal Children’s Hospital provide some further resources about providing comfort for kids

https://www.rch.org.au/comfortkids/for_kids/

Wound care

You may have found yourself in the need of wound care after an operation or if your child has had an accident. Our nurses can provide wound care while undertaking a holistic approach to ensure optimal healing and prevention of complications.

Care plans

In conjunction with your regular GP, our nurses can work with you to develop a care plan to assist in the management of chronic diseases. Our nurses are qualified to assist our doctors in the preparation of a care plan for you to access services from an allied health provider such as a physiotherapist, dietitian, or psychologist.