Child and Adolescent Health in Wollongong
Our GPs at Illawarra General Practice care for babies, children and teenagers from Wollongong and across the Illawarra. From childhood immunisations and development checks to everyday illnesses and teenage health, your family GP can support your child's health as they grow.
Consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card, and vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free.
How can a GP help children and teenagers?
A GP can help with most health concerns for children and young people, including:
- Childhood and adolescent immunisations
- Growth and development checks
- Coughs, colds, fevers, ear infections and other common illnesses
- Rashes, eczema and skin concerns
- Asthma and allergies
- Sleep, eating and behaviour concerns
- Teenage health, including mental health and sexual health
- Ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children already diagnosed and stable on medication
If your child needs specialist care, your GP can refer you to a paediatrician or other specialist and help coordinate their care.
Childhood immunisations in Wollongong
Our practice provides childhood and adolescent vaccinations in line with the National Immunisation Program Schedule. Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free for eligible children.
When are childhood vaccines due?
Under the National Immunisation Program, routine childhood vaccines are given at:
- Birth (usually in hospital)
- 2 months (from 6 weeks)
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 4 years
Annual flu vaccination is also free for children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Your GP or practice nurse can check whether your child is up to date and arrange any catch-up vaccines.
School vaccinations
In NSW, some adolescent vaccines are offered at school through the NSW School Vaccination Program. If your child missed a school vaccine, your GP can help arrange a catch-up.
Immunisation records for childcare and school
Your child's vaccinations are recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can download your child's immunisation history statement through your Medicare Online Account or the Express Plus Medicare app. Childcare services in NSW require an up-to-date statement for enrolment.
Child health and development checks
Children often pick up coughs, colds, ear infections, gastro and rashes. Book an appointment if your child:
- Has a fever and seems unwell, or a fever lasting more than two days
- Has ear pain, a persistent cough or a sore throat
- Has a rash you're unsure about
- Is eating or drinking less than usual
- Just doesn't seem themselves and you're worried
Teenage health
As children become teenagers, their health needs change. Our GPs can help young people with physical health, mental health, sexual health, contraception, acne, sleep, eating and lifestyle concerns.
Can my teenager see a GP on their own?
It's common for GPs to spend part of an appointment with a young person on their own. This gives them space to talk openly and builds their confidence in managing their own health. Your GP will explain how confidentiality works and when information may need to be shared to keep a young person safe.
From age 15, young people can apply for their own Medicare card.
ADHD care for children and teenagers
Ongoing ADHD prescriptions
If your child has already been diagnosed with ADHD by a paediatrician or psychiatrist and is stable on their medication, our practice may be able to provide ongoing prescriptions under the NSW ADHD continuation prescribing arrangements. This can mean fewer trips back to the specialist for routine prescriptions.
Your GP will review your child's diagnosis, current treatment and how they're going, and will work with your child's specialist where needed. Please bring your child's specialist letters and current prescription details to the first appointment.
If you think your child may have ADHD
If you're concerned about your child's attention, concentration, learning or behaviour, book an appointment with your GP. Your GP can talk through your concerns, consider other possible causes, and refer your child for specialist assessment where appropriate.
When does my child need urgent care?
Call 000 or go to the Emergency Department at Wollongong Hospital if your child:
- Has difficulty breathing
- Is unusually drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- Has a seizure
- Has a fever and is under 3 months old
- Shows signs of dehydration, such as very few wet nappies
- Has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed
- Has a serious injury
For non-urgent medical care outside our opening hours, contact Radio Doctor on 02 4228 5522.
Travel health advice and vaccinations
If you are travelling overseas, your GP can review your travel plans and health, and discuss which vaccinations and precautions may be recommended for your destination.
Some vaccines need more than one dose or take time to become effective, so it's a good idea to book a travel health appointment well before you leave. Some travel vaccines are not covered by Medicare, and your GP can discuss any costs with you.
Frequently asked questions
Vaccines on the National Immunisation Program are free for eligible children. Your consultation is bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Vaccines outside the program may have a cost, which we'll discuss with you beforehand.
Yes. Consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card.
Bring your child's Medicare card details, their Blue Book, and any letters or results from other doctors or hospitals.
In NSW, ADHD diagnosis has generally been made by paediatricians and psychiatrists, with some GPs now training to diagnose under recent reforms. Our GPs can discuss your concerns and refer your child for assessment, and may be able to provide ongoing prescriptions once your child is diagnosed and stable on medication.
Yes. GPs often see young people on their own for part or all of an appointment. Your GP will explain how confidentiality works.