Newborn Screening & Childhood Vaccination

Supporting Your Child’s Health From the Very Beginning

The first few years of life are an important period of growth, development and immune protection. Our newborn and childhood care services are designed to help parents monitor their child’s health from the newborn stage through the growing years.

We provide newborn health reviews, jaundice assessment, developmental surveillance and childhood immunisation services based on your child’s age, birth history, vaccination record, medical needs and individual risk factors.

Newborn Health and Developmental Review

A newborn review provides an opportunity to assess your baby’s early health and address any concerns you may have after leaving the hospital.

Depending on your baby’s age and clinical needs, the paediatric assessment may include:

• Feeding pattern and milk intake

• Weight gain and hydration

• Urine and bowel movements

• Skin colour and signs of jaundice

• Umbilical cord care

• Sleep and settling patterns

• Newborn reflexes and general responsiveness

• Early growth and developmental progress

• Review of birth history and newborn screening results

• Guidance on routine newborn care and warning signs

Parents are encouraged to bring their baby’s birth records, discharge summary, newborn screening results and vaccination record to the appointment whenever available.

Childhood Vaccination

Vaccination helps protect children against potentially serious vaccine-preventable diseases. We offer routine, additional and catch-up childhood vaccinations following an assessment of your child’s age, health condition, previous immunisation history and current recommendations.

Our vaccination services may include:

• Routine vaccinations according to the childhood immunisation schedule

• Additional vaccinations based on individual risk or parental preference

• Catch-up vaccination for children who have missed or delayed previous doses

• Review of vaccination records for children returning from overseas

• Guidance on the recommended timing and interval between vaccine doses

• Pre-vaccination medical assessment

• Advice on common reactions and care after vaccination

If your child’s vaccination record is incomplete or unavailable, our medical team can review the available information and discuss an appropriate catch-up plan.

Newborn Jaundice Screening

Newborn jaundice causes the skin or whites of the eyes to appear yellow due to an increased bilirubin level. It is common in newborn babies, but bilirubin levels that become too high may require further monitoring or treatment.

We provide transcutaneous bilirubin measurement, commonly known as a TcB test. This is a quick, non-invasive screening method that estimates the bilirubin level by placing a handheld device gently against the baby’s skin. It does not require a needle or blood prick and usually causes minimal discomfort.

Depending on your baby’s age, gestational age, TcB result and overall condition, a blood test may still be recommended for a more accurate bilirubin measurement or further assessment.

Parents should arrange an early medical review if jaundice develops during the first 24 hours after birth, becomes more noticeable, persists longer than expected, or is accompanied by poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or reduced urine output.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The paediatrician will review your child’s medical and vaccination history, perform an age-appropriate examination and discuss any concerns you may have. Recommendations will be personalised according to your child’s findings rather than based on age alone.

Start your child’s healthcare journey with appropriate newborn monitoring, vaccination planning and paediatric guidance. Contact Southern Child Specialist Clinic to arrange an appointment.