Your child's blue book
The Personal Health Record, or blue book, tracks your child's growth, development checks and vaccinations from birth.
Bring it to every visit.
Children's health, from newborn to teen
Friendly, unhurried care for babies, children and teenagers across Morisset and Lake Macquarie: check-ups, immunisations, growth and development, everyday illnesses and the questions every parent has. Children 15 and under are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01Children 15 and under are bulk billed
GP consultations for children 15 and under are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
Tap to see moreSome services, such as privately purchased vaccines, may attract a fee. Reception will tell you first.
Fees and eligibility02Bring the blue book
Your child's Personal Health Record (the blue book) helps track growth, checks and vaccines.
Tap to see moreBring it to every visit and immunisation so everything is recorded in one place.
Book an appointment03Same-day appointments for sick kids
Same-day appointments are available on most days.
Tap to see moreCall from 8:00am and let reception know your child is unwell so they can be seen promptly.
Call (02) 4006 822204Teens can be seen on their own
Young people can talk to a GP confidentially about their health.
Tap to see moreFrom around 14 or 15, teenagers can usually get their own Medicare card and see a GP independently.
Read about teen healthFind the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Newborn to school age
Check-ups, growth and development
Regular checks help make sure your child is growing and developing well. Your GP can check growth, hearing, vision, speech, movement and behaviour, and talk through feeding, sleep and toilet training.
If you have any concerns about your child's development, you do not need to wait for a scheduled check. Early support makes a difference.
- 1Book a check
- 2Bring the blue book
- 3Growth and development review
- 4Follow-up or referral if needed
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
When are the key checks?
Child health checks are recommended at set ages from birth to school age, including at 1 to 4 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, 6, 12 and 18 months, and 2, 3 and 4 years. Many line up with immunisation visits.
What if I am worried about speech or behaviour?
Book an appointment to talk it through. Your GP can assess and refer to speech pathology, occupational therapy or a paediatrician if needed.
See the full schedule
Free on the National Immunisation Program
Immunisations
Vaccines protect children against serious diseases such as whooping cough, measles and meningococcal disease. Most childhood vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program.
Vaccines are given at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months and 4 years, with further vaccines through the school program. Catch-up schedules are available if any have been missed.
- 1Check what is due
- 2Book with the GP or practice nurse
- 3Vaccines given and recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register
- 4Reminder for the next visit
What it costsNational Immunisation Program vaccines are free. Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Privately purchased vaccines attract a fee.
What if my child has missed vaccines?
A catch-up schedule can be worked out. Bring the blue book or check the Australian Immunisation Register.
Is the flu vaccine free for children?
Free influenza vaccine is available for children aged 6 months to under 5 years through the National Immunisation Program.
When your child is unwell
Coughs, colds, fevers and everyday illness
Children pick up many infections, especially in the early years of childcare and school. Most are mild, but it is always reasonable to have your child checked if you are worried.
Your GP can examine your child, explain what to watch for and when to come back, and advise on fluids, fever and comfort care.
- 1Call for a same-day appointment
- 2Examination and history
- 3Plan for care at home
- 4Clear advice on when to return
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
When is a fever urgent?
Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs to be seen urgently. Seek urgent help for a child who is very drowsy, floppy, struggling to breathe, has a rash that does not fade when pressed, or is not drinking.
Can you see my child today?
Same-day appointments are available on most days. Call from 8:00am.
Common childhood conditions
Skin, rashes, eczema and allergies
Eczema, rashes, allergies and asthma are common in children and can affect sleep and daily life. A clear plan helps families manage flare-ups with confidence.
Your GP can help with eczema care, allergy assessment and action plans, asthma action plans and spacer technique, and referral to a paediatrician or allergist when needed.
- 1Describe symptoms and triggers
- 2Examination
- 3Written action plan
- 4Review and referral if needed
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Does my child need an asthma action plan?
Yes. Every child with asthma should have a written asthma action plan that is reviewed regularly.
Can you test for allergies?
Your GP can assess symptoms and arrange appropriate tests or refer to an allergy specialist.
Confidential care for young people
Teen health and wellbeing
Adolescence brings big changes. Teenagers can talk to a GP about mental health, periods, acne, sport injuries, sleep, relationships, sexual health and contraception.
Young people can be seen on their own, and what they share is kept confidential except where there is a serious risk to their safety. Parents are encouraged to support their teen to build a relationship with their GP.
- 1Book an appointment
- 2Time with a parent and time alone
- 3Confidential conversation
- 4Plan and follow-up
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Can my teenager see the GP without me?
Yes. From around 14 or 15, young people can usually see a GP on their own and have their own Medicare card.
Are school vaccines given here?
Vaccines given through the school program can be caught up at the clinic if they were missed.
Understanding children's health
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Growth and development
Children develop at different rates. Milestones such as smiling, sitting, walking and talking give a guide, but a range is normal.
If you are worried about development, speak to your GP early.
Fever in children
Fever is common and usually a sign the body is fighting an infection. How your child looks and behaves matters more than the number on the thermometer.
Seek urgent care for any baby under 3 months with a fever, or a child who is very drowsy, struggling to breathe or has a rash that does not fade.
Childhood immunisations and when they are due
The National Immunisation Program vaccines below are free for eligible children. Tap an age to see what is due, then book with the GP or practice nurse. Bring the blue book to every visit.
Birth1 vaccine
- Hepatitis BProtects against hepatitis B, a liver infection.Given in hospital, ideally within 7 days of birth.
Usually given in hospital before you go home.
2 months3 vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and HibA combined 6-in-1 injection.
- PneumococcalProtects against pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections.
- RotavirusAn oral vaccine (drops) against severe gastro.The first dose must be given by 14 weeks of age.
Can be given from 6 weeks. Book early so rotavirus is not missed.
4 months3 vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and HibSecond dose of the 6-in-1 injection.
- PneumococcalSecond dose.
- RotavirusSecond oral dose.Must be given by 24 weeks of age.
Rotavirus has strict age limits, so try not to delay.
6 months2 vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and HibThird dose of the 6-in-1 injection.
- Influenza (flu)Free every year from 6 months to under 5 years.Two doses 4 weeks apart in the first year.
A good time to start the yearly flu vaccine.
12 months3 vaccines
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)Protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
- Meningococcal ACWYProtects against four strains of meningococcal disease.
- PneumococcalBooster dose.
Three injections at this visit.
18 months3 vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping coughBooster dose.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)Booster dose.
- Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV)Second MMR dose plus chickenpox protection.
Often due around the time of an 18-month health check.
4 years1 vaccine
- Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polioPre-school booster.
Pair it with a check before starting school. Childcare and schools ask for an up-to-date immunisation history statement.
Year 72 vaccines
- HPVProtects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus.Given through the NSW school program.
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping coughAdolescent booster.Given through the NSW school program.
Missed at school? Catch-up doses can be given at the clinic.
Year 101 vaccine
- Meningococcal ACWYAdolescent dose.Given through the NSW school program.
Missed at school? Book a catch-up.
No Jab, No Pay and No Jab, No Play: childcare enrolment and some family payments require an up-to-date immunisation history.
Book vaccinations
Book vaccinationsSchedule shown is the standard NSW and National Immunisation Program schedule. Some children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those with medical conditions, may be eligible for extra vaccines. Privately purchased vaccines attract a fee. Your GP or nurse will confirm what your child needs.
Common childhood illnesses
Most childhood illnesses are mild, but it is always fine to have your child checked. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, a non-fading rash or a very drowsy child.
01CroupTap for details
Croup
- Signs
- Barking cough, hoarse voice, noisy breathing.
- When to see a GP
- Same day, or urgently if breathing is laboured.
- Care
- Assessment and medicine to ease swelling.
02BronchiolitisTap for details
Bronchiolitis
- Signs
- Cough, fast breathing, poor feeding in babies.
- When to see a GP
- Same day for babies under 6 months.
- Care
- Supportive care and monitoring.
03GastroTap for details
Gastro
- Signs
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain.
- When to see a GP
- If not drinking, few wet nappies or drowsy.
- Care
- Small, frequent fluids.
04Ear infectionsTap for details
Ear infections
- Signs
- Ear pain, fever, pulling at the ear.
- When to see a GP
- If pain or fever lasts more than a day or two.
- Care
- Pain relief and review.
05Hand, foot and mouthTap for details
Hand, foot and mouth
- Signs
- Blisters on hands, feet and mouth.
- When to see a GP
- If not drinking or very unwell.
- Care
- Fluids and comfort care.
06ConjunctivitisTap for details
Conjunctivitis
- Signs
- Red, sticky eyes.
- When to see a GP
- If eyes are painful or vision changes.
- Care
- Cleaning, and treatment if needed.
07ChickenpoxTap for details
Chickenpox
- Signs
- Itchy blistering rash, fever.
- When to see a GP
- For advice, especially in babies.
- Care
- Comfort care; vaccine prevention.
08Head liceTap for details
Head lice
- Signs
- Itchy scalp, lice or eggs.
- When to see a GP
- For advice if treatment is not working.
- Care
- Combing and treatment.
When should my child see a GP?
A general guide only. If you are worried, call reception or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Fever in a baby under 3 months
Any fever in a young baby needs to be seen urgently.
Next stepCall 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if very unwell; otherwise call the clinic immediately.A cough or cold that is not improving
Book if it lasts more than a week, your child is breathing fast or not feeding well.
Next stepBook a same-day appointment.A rash
A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass needs urgent attention.
Next stepUrgent: call 000. Other rashes, book an appointment.Not eating or drinking
Watch for fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth or drowsiness.
Next stepBook same day, or seek urgent help if very drowsy.Development or behaviour concerns
Speech, movement, learning or behaviour worries can be checked any time.
Next stepBook a longer appointment.Vaccines are due
See the immunisation schedule above.
Next stepBook with the GP or practice nurse.Myth or fact?
Test what you know about children's health. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
Any fever in a baby under 3 months needs urgent review.
Young babies can become seriously unwell quickly.
02
Children grow out of the need for vaccines after age 4.
School vaccines are given in Year 7 and Year 10.
03
Children 15 and under are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
For GP consultations at Morisset Doctors.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- NSW Health
- healthdirect
- RACGP
- Australian Government Department of Health
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
0Months, first vaccines due
Then 4, 6, 12 and 18 months, and 4 years.
0yearsAnd under bulk billed
With a valid Medicare card.
0yearsYears, pre-school vaccines
A good time for a health check too.
0$Cost for NIP vaccines
Free under the National Immunisation Program.
What is due at this age?
Move the slider to see what generally applies. This is general information, not a personal plan, so talk it through with your GP.
Book a check4years
047111418
- Newborn and 6-week checksChecks for baby and parent at 1 to 4 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks.
- Infant vaccinesVaccines at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months through the National Immunisation Program.
- Toddler vaccines and checksVaccines at 12 and 18 months, plus growth and development checks.
- Pre-school check and vaccinesVaccines at 4 years and a check before starting school.
- Free flu vaccineFree influenza vaccine from 6 months to under 5 years.
- School vaccinesHPV and whooping cough in Year 7, meningococcal ACWY in Year 10.
- Teen healthConfidential care, mental health, sexual health and contraception.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
Children's health at every stage
Newborn checks, feeding, sleep, immunisations at 2, 4 and 6 months.
Growth and development, 12 and 18 month vaccines, coughs and colds.
4-year vaccines, school readiness, eczema, asthma and allergies.
Everyday illness, sport injuries, asthma plans and wellbeing.
Confidential care, mental health, acne, periods and school vaccines.
Who can help
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with children's health. These team members list it among their interests.
General practitionerDr Alice NajjarBook now
Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
Book now
GP registrarDr Prishantha SirisenaBook now
Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book now
GP and directorDr Ali ZubaidyBook now
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
Book now
Practice nurseKatelynBook now
Registered nurse with emergency and paediatric experience: immunisations, women's health and chronic disease support.
Book nowMake the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
Children's health questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Are children bulk billed?
Yes. GP consultations for children 15 and under are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card.
Do I need to book for vaccines?
Yes. Book an appointment with the GP or practice nurse and bring the blue book.
Can you see a sick child today?
Same-day appointments are available on most days. Call from 8:00am.
Can teenagers see a GP on their own?
Yes. Young people can usually see a GP independently from around 14 or 15.
What if my child has missed vaccines?
A catch-up schedule can be arranged. Many catch-up vaccines are free.
Do you offer school and childcare forms?
Yes. Some forms and reports may attract a fee; reception will let you know.
Can I get my child seen the same day?
Same-day appointments are available on most days; call from 8:00am.
Do you check growth and development?
Yes, at routine checks and any time you have a concern.
