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Questions?

See our Frequently Asked Questions below
Booking
Fees
About appoitment
Immunisations

Bookings

Fees

Appointment

Travel Vaccines

BCG

Do I need a referral?

We are a specialist medical service.  A referral letter is needed from your doctor (GP or specialist).  Please address referrals to:

Kids Travel Doc @ CPMG

Suite 3.3, Level 3

48 Flemington Rd

Parkville VIC 3052

 

Kids Travel Doc @ ANMG

Unit 6/230 Blackshaws Rd
Altona North VIC 3025

 

We also accept referrals that are addressed to other providers as long as Medicare requirements are met. 

How do I book?

Please click our booking link to make a booking on our secure online booking platform.  A booking fee of $30 is required.  We will email you with final registration details.

Is the booking fee refundable?

​We know circumstances can change.  A refund or date change is permitted if made 48hrs prior to the appointment.  If your child is unwell within 48hrs of the appointment please contact us at hello@kidsdoc.au 
 

What is the cost?

The out of pocket cost is approximately $123.  The total cost of a clinic visit is $260 in total, however Medicare card holders with a valid referral letter may receive a Medicare refund/rebate of $137.   

 

What is included?

The fee includes doctor consultation, nurse fee and BCG vaccine.  Other travel vaccines can be provided for an additional fee.  Routine scheduled vaccines (National Immunisation Program), if required with the travel vaccines,  do not attract a fee.

How can I pay?

We prefer credit card payment.  Please register your preferred payment method in our online portal or bring your payment card to the appointment.  Exact cash is accepted.  Medicare rebates will be submitted on the same day.  

Is parking available?
  • CPMG - There is parking available for a fee in the basement and limited on-street parking.  The Kids Travel Doc is located at the Children's Private Medical Group, on the 3rd floor.

  • ANMG - There is free parking available around the Circle Health Building.  The Kids Travel Doc is located at the Altona North Medical Group, on the ground floor.  

How long does the appointment take?

Please allow for approximately 40-60 minutes for your appointment.  This includes consultation, immunisation and an observation period.  

 

What should I bring?​

​Please bring your Green Book and Medicare card.  We upload all immunisations to the Australian Immunisation Record on the same day.

What vaccinations do you offer?

We will recommend vaccinations according to your child's age and destination.   You can decide on what vaccine to proceed with at your discretion.  A letter with recommendations will also be provided to your referring doctor.  ​

Travel Vaccinations*

  • BCG

  • Hepatitis A 

  • Typhoid 

  • Japanese Encephalitis 

  • Yellow Fever 

  • Rabies

Other available vaccines*

  • Meningococcal B (Bexsero)

  • Meningococcal ACWY

  • Varicella

National Immunisation Program vaccines (routine childhood vaccines) are provided for free

Influenza vaccine is provided for free (> 6 months to 5 years of age) and to older children as per National Immunisation Program eligibility

*Vaccines subject to additional cost and availability

Can my child receive immunisations if they have had COVID?

Children can continue to receive their routine childhood, BCG and other immunisations as soon as they are no longer acutely unwell with COVID-19 and have been cleared to leave isolation. No wait time is needed.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by a bacteria (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis).  Worldwide, tuberculosis causes more deaths than any other infectious disease.  It is spread between people by breathing in the bacteria through the air from someone who is infected.  Children and infants are at high risk of becoming unwell following exposure to tuberculosis. 

Does my child need a BCG?

According to Australian Government Department of Health recommendations, newborns and children under 5 years of age who will be travelling for extended periods, or living in countries or areas with a high rate of tuberculosis should receive a BCG. 

Countries with a high rate of tuberculosis include India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh and many countries in Africa.  See here for a full list. 

When is the best time to have a BCG?

BCG protects children from the more severe forms of tuberculosis.  BCG is a routine immunisation in many countries at birth.  

BCG vaccination should ideally occur at least 1 month before departure.  This will allow the body to develop an immune response to provide protection prior to travel.  Consideration should be given to future travel plans and for BCG to be given soon after birth.        

 

What age can BCG be given?

BCG can be provided from birth.  

 

Will my child need a mantoux test (also known as tuberculin-skin-test or TST) prior to a BCG?

A Mantoux test is recommended in children:

  • Children of any age, if they have had previously travel overseas to a high risk country.  See here for a full list.

  • With known exposure to someone with TB

Please note we currently do not provide mantoux tests.  If one is required, please see our affiliate clinic.

 

Can BCG be given with other vaccines?

In most cases the BCG can be given at the same time as other vaccines.  Your doctor will discuss options with you. 

Is a gap needed before or after BCG and other vaccines?

BCG must be given at the same time, or 4 weeks apart from other "live" vaccines:

  • 12- and 18-month-old National Immunisation Program scheduled vaccines (MMR, MMR-V)

  • Varicella vaccine

  • Yellow fever vaccine

  • Japanese Encephalitis vaccine (Imojev)

No gap is required between "inactivated" vaccines:

  • Birth, 2/4/6 month National Immunisation Program vaccines

  • Hepatitis A

  • Typhoid

  • Meningococcal B/Meningococcal ACWY

Is paracetamol required before BCG?

Paracetamol (Panadol) is not routinely required before BCG.  

What are side effects of BCG?

Like all vaccines, the BCG vaccine can cause side effects, but they're uncommon and generally mild.

​Most children develop a sore at the injection site after 2-4 weeks. Once healed, the sore may leave a small scar.

BCG
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