Temporary closure of Childhood Immunisation Clinics

3 February, 2014

Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to advise that its upcoming February Childhood Immunisation Clinics scheduled for Friday 7 February and Friday 21 February 2014 at Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale have been suspended until further notice.

The suspension of the clinics follows the NSW Health Department’s rescission of its policy to support Council run immunisation programs. This decision took effect on 28 January 2014.

The rescission of the NSW Health policy effectively removes funding and indemnity cover that was provided to support the clinic’s medical team.

Unfortunately, Council cannot support the service without indemnity or insurance cover.

Council is due to consider a report outlining the ramifications of the NSW Health Department’s decision.

Future Immunisation Clinics beyond the month of February are also in doubt unless funding and indemnity can be provided.

In the interim, Council recommends residents requiring a childhood immunisation service to contact their local GP or Medical Centre, many of which offer the service for free as part of their regular bulk billing program.

Parents and caregivers are advised to refer to their child’s blue book or history statement for advice on when their child is due for vaccinations.

Council apologises for the short notice of the closures and apologises for any inconvenience.