Immunisation & Childhood Illnesses
What is the difference between immunisation and vaccination?
Vaccination is the act of receiving a vaccine. Immunisation is the process through which a person becomes protected against a disease through vaccination.
Importance of CPR/first aid training:
Parents can respond quickly and effectively in emergencies, potentially saving their child’s life.
Two safety home features:
Fenced pool with self-closing gate, stair gates to prevent falls.
Why sick children are excluded from care:
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases to other children and staff.
What is the purpose of installing a fireguard or stair gate in a home with children?
To prevent children from accessing dangerous areas like staircases or fireplaces, reducing the risk of injury.
What is the No Jab, No Pay initiative?
A government policy that withholds certain childcare benefits and rebates from parents unless their children are up to date with immunisations.
First aid for a burn:
Cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes, cover with a non-stick dressing, and seek medical help if needed.
Most common cause of injury-related deaths (0–14 years):
Land transport accidents (e.g., car crashes).
How to access immunisation history:
Through Medicare online, MyGov account, or by requesting a statement from Services Australia.
Why should bathroom hot water be set to no more than 50°C?
To prevent scalds and burns in young children, who have sensitive skin and may not react quickly enough to hot water.
Two reasons parents might choose not to vaccinate their child:
Concerns about vaccine side effects; personal, philosophical, or religious beliefs.
Correct response for choking:
Encourage coughing, give back blows if necessary, and seek emergency help if the airway remains blocked.
What are three common household hazards?
Hot water, sharp objects, stairs without gates, chemical cabinets
Infection control strategies in childcare:
Isolating sick children, disinfecting toys and surfaces, encouraging handwashing.
What are the top three causes of childhood injury-related deaths in Australia?
Land transport accidents, accidental drowning, and assault (homicide).
Four common childhood diseases vaccines protect against:
Measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough (pertussis).
Four items in a basic first aid kit:
Crepe bandages, adhesive dressings (Band-Aids), disposable gloves, antiseptic swabs.
Why prams, toys, and restraints are legislated:
To ensure products meet safety standards that protect children from injury or harm.
Four types of germs that cause disease:
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa.
Why might a muscular or very active child have a high BMI but not be overweight?
Because BMI doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat.
Why vaccinated adults may still take antibiotics after whooping cough exposure:
As a precaution to prevent the potential spread of infection, especially if they’re in contact with vulnerable children or infants.
Steps to perform CPR on an infant:
Head in neutral position, 30 gentle compressions using two fingers in the center of the chest, followed by 2 gentle breaths. Continue the cycle.
Why children aged 1–4 are at higher risk:
They're mobile but lack awareness of danger; they explore their environment but don't yet understand risks.
Three symptoms of whooping cough & how it spreads:
Severe coughing fits, a “whooping” sound when inhaling, vomiting after coughing. It spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
What legislation must prams and strollers in Australia comply with?
They must meet Australian Product Safety Standards to ensure safe use, including brakes, harnesses, and stability.