When a Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) mother was encouraged to attend a local immunisation clinic with her six-month-old baby, she was carrying more than a child who had missed vaccinations from birth.
She was carrying months of worry, uncertainty, and the fear of being judged.
Instead, she found support.
Her baby’s immunisation journey is now underway, reflecting the life-changing impact local child health teams are having for families across Cape York.
It’s one of many success stories to emerge from a recent one-off, week-long BCG immunisation clinic delivered by the NPA Family and Community Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (NPAFACS) Child Health team, and which was supported by the NPA MCH SWEB team.
The clinic supported 120 families and administered 238 vaccinations, a remarkable result for the community and a reminder of the impact of culturally safe, accessible healthcare.
NPAFACS Maternal and Child Health Social Emotional Wellbeing (MCH SEWB) Program Manager Josie Nona said through ongoing encouragement, practical support, and regular follow-up, the mother was supported to attend appointments and begin the catch-up immunisation schedule.
“Her baby has now received the BCG vaccine and has been placed on the catch-up list to continue working toward being fully up to date, which is great news,” Ms Nona said.
“In the beginning, the mum was feeling emotionally overwhelmed. She was caring for a large family, with six other children ranging in age up to 12 years, and she was finding it difficult to keep on top of appointments and health needs.
“Competing family pressures had contributed to her concerns about the baby falling further behind with immunisations.”
Ms Nona said through compassionate, non-judgemental support, the MCH SEWB Child Health team helped the mother take the first step, turning her uncertainty into confidence and ensuring her baby’s immunisation journey could begin.
“After attending the clinic, the mum was feeling more confident in attending appointments and following through with care,” she said.
“She said the support helped her feel less overwhelmed, more in control, and better able to manage her baby’s health needs.
“This is such a wonderful outcome and demonstrates the value of practical, culturally safe, and relationship-based support.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better result.”
The MCH SEWB program is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network through the Federal Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
After attending the clinic, the mum was feeling more confident in attending appointments and following through with care.