Two-month baby check and worries about vaccines
AMC Clinical practice station

The task

You are a doctor at an Aboriginal community-controlled health service. Tarni Walker, aged 24, is an Aboriginal woman who has brought her two-month-old son Jarrah for his first baby check. His two-month immunisations are due today. She has come on her own. Take a relevant history for a baby check, respond to any worries she has, and discuss immunisation with her. Examination findings will be given on request. The examiner will not take part in the conversation.

What this station tests

• Cultural safety starts with how you greet, listen and share control: ask, do not assume, offer a support person, and do not rush.
• Explore concerns with open questions before giving information; acknowledge the worry first.
• Give balanced, honest facts about vaccine benefits and common mild reactions, and respect the family's decision.
• Mention extra recommended vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies as protection, not as a label.
• Teach back and offer follow-up and shared care with the health worker, with permission.
• For babies having the meningococcal B vaccine, paracetamol is recommended with each dose even without fever. This is an exception to the usual advice.

Sources for the clinical content

• Australian Immunisation Handbook: Meningococcal disease
• Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Ahpra: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy and cultural safety
• Medical Board of Australia: Good medical practice, a code of conduct for doctors in Australia

An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.

Practise next

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