The Public Health Unit acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land. We support and respect the survival of this proud culture and are committed to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. We would like to pay our respect to Elders of the past, present and future generations and extend that respect to all Indigenous Australians.
The Illawarra and Shoalhaven Public Health Unit is committed to improving timely vaccination in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Immunisation is a simple, effective way to prevent vaccine preventable diseases in Aboriginal communities.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Public Health Aboriginal Immunisation health worker is Kristie Henry.
A little about Kristie......
Kristie Henry is a proud Yuin woman and a dedicated Aboriginal Immunisation Health Worker at the Illawarra Shoalhaven Public Health Unit. With almost five years of experience working for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Kristie is passionate about improving the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Currently nearing the completion of her studies to become an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Kristie is committed to ensuring that Indigenous children have access to timely vaccinations through the National Immunisation Program. Her work is vital in protecting vulnerable communities from preventable diseases.
Kristie is working towards increasing vaccination coverage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by:
- Working with Aboriginal people and services, such as child care centres, to promote the importance of timely vaccination.
- Provide culturally appropriate education to Aboriginal children and adults on the benefits of vaccination.
- Collaborate with Aboriginal Medical Services’, community health centres and other services to integrate immunisation into routine health delivery
- Review the Australian Immunisation Register to identify, and remind parents of Aboriginal children who are scheduled for vaccination. Ensure the Australian Immunisation Register is up to date with accurate immunisation information for all Aboriginal children.
- Identify local barriers to immunisation and consult with Aboriginal community members to develop appropriate responses.
- Promoting the importance of immunisation through community engagement.
- Increasing immunisation coverage as part of the NSW school vaccination program for yr 7 & Yr 10 students
Kristie is available Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm and can be contacted on Ph:4221 6700 / Mobile:0455 311 321, or via email at kristie.henry@health.nsw.gov.au.
Did you know....
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are able to get extra vaccines for free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). These extra vaccinations are to protect you against serious disease. They are in addition to other recommended immunisations for each age group.
Whatchya Gunna Do (Video)
This video has been produced to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation for Aboriginal adolescents and their parents: