What is it?

The RCH Immunisation Service drop-in centre was established in March 2001.

The drop-in centre provides opportunistic vaccines for patients and parents at the hospital, and, where available, non-patients (appointments are required for catch-up immunisation plans). Led by a specialist nursing team (and run by Nurse Practitioner and Manager Sonja Elia), it also provides specialist immunisation advice. The team supports outpatient clinics such as the Immunisation Clinic (Tuesday am), Immigrant Health clinic (Monday pm) and dedicated BCG clinics (for infants aged less then 12 months). The drop-in centre provides seasonal vaccines, such as influenza; and delivers Palivizumab (RSV prophylaxis) for at risk infants. Additional vaccines such as varicella, meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY are also available for purchase.

The staff at the drop-in centre employ a range of distraction techniques to reduce pain and anxiety and when these techniques are unsuccessful, an “immunisation under sedation” service can be offered. Please telephone the service for more information regarding this, bookings are essential.

Please note that the RCH has implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of all patients, families and staff at this time. Access to medical care remains an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic and staying up to date with scheduled immunisations is encouraged.

Referrals

Immunisation clinic – referrals can be sent directly to fax number (03) 9345 4163.

BCG clinic – referrals can be sent directly to fax number (03) 9345 5034.

Inpatients and Outpatients – can be seen by one of the Immunisation Nurse Specialists at RCH, no referral is required.

Contact

Telephone: Immunisation hotline 1300 882 924 (option 2) or direct (03) 9345 6599 / 9345 6399.

Pager: 4330 via hospital switchboard (03) 9345 5522.

Email: [email protected]

Facsimile: (03) 9345 4100.

Resources

Author: Sonja Elia (Nurse Practitioner and Manager Immunisation Service, RCH)

Reviewed by: Sonja Elia (Nurse Practitioner and Manager Immunisation Service, RCH)

Date: July 15, 2022

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.