Children’s health in Hervey Bay
At Main Street Medical Centre in Pialba, we provide GP care for babies, children and teenagers in Hervey Bay — from newborn checks through to adolescent health. All of our GPs see children, so you can book with your preferred doctor for continuity of care.
Urgent help: If your child is very unwell, you’re worried about their breathing, or symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Children's Health Care at a Glance
- All GPs see children: Book with your preferred doctor for continuity of care
- Bulk billing: GP consultations are bulk billed for children with a valid Medicare card
- Comprehensive GP care: Support from newborn checks through to teenage health
- Immunisations: NIP vaccines available for eligible patients, aligned with Queensland schedules
- Same-day appointments: Urgent appointments are often available for unwell children
- Developmental monitoring: We use the Queensland Personal Health Record (“Red Book”) as a guide during checks
What Is Children's Health Care in Hervey Bay?
Children's health care includes medical support for your child's physical, emotional and developmental wellbeing from birth through to adolescence. At Main Street Medical Centre, all of our GPs see children and can support families with both everyday health concerns and preventative care.
Children’s needs change quickly as they grow. Symptoms can look different at different ages, and part of good GP care is considering your child’s stage of development alongside their medical history and current symptoms.
Our children’s health services include:
Preventative care: Wellness checks aligned with Queensland’s Personal Health Record milestones, growth monitoring and preventative guidance.
Coming 1 November 2026: Read about our Healthy Kids Checks for 3-year-olds, including eligibility and what to bring.
Acute illness assessment: Review and treatment of common childhood presentations such as ear pain, respiratory symptoms, skin rashes, gastro and fever.
Developmental support: Age-appropriate screening, and referral pathways when additional support may be helpful.
Your Child's Red Book – A Guide to Developmental Milestones
Every Queensland child receives a Personal Health Record at birth, commonly known as the "Red Book." It helps track immunisations, growth measurements and developmental milestones from birth to school age. We often use it as a guide during health checks.
Early newborn review including feeding, weight gain, hearing response and general wellbeing.
Health check focusing on early development, reflexes and growth. Often aligns with scheduled immunisations.
Review of head control, visual tracking, early vocalisations and growth trends.
Guidance around solids, sitting progress and developmental screening questionnaires where appropriate.
Development review including movement, speech milestones and social interaction.
Review of walking confidence, vocabulary development and behaviour concerns if present.
Fine motor skills, sleep, toileting readiness and behaviour support; kindy preparation discussions.
School readiness review including vision/hearing considerations and developmental support planning.
Childhood Immunisations in Hervey Bay – Helping Protect Your Child's Health
Immunisation is one of the most effective ways to help protect children from serious diseases. We provide vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible patients, following Queensland schedules. Learn more about childhood immunisation appointments.
If you have questions about the schedule or your child’s individual circumstances, our GPs are happy to talk you through the options. Vaccines used in Australia are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and monitored for safety.
| Age | Vaccines | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B | Liver disease |
| 2, 4 & 6 months | DTPa–HepB–IPV–Hib at each visit; rotavirus and pneumococcal at 2 and 4 months | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Hib. Rotavirus and pneumococcal doses vary by age and medical risk; some children need an additional pneumococcal dose at 6 months. |
| 12 Months | Meningococcal ACWY, MMR, Pneumococcal | Meningococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumonia |
| 18 months | MMRV, DTPa and Hib boosters | Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and Hib |
| 4 Years | DTPa-IPV | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio |
| Adolescents | Year 7: HPV and dTpa. Year 10: meningococcal ACWY and Queensland-funded meningococcal B | HPV-related cancers, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and meningococcal disease |
For more information about immunisation, visit HealthDirect Australia’s immunisation guide.
Note: Vaccine eligibility and appointment requirements can vary. Our team can confirm what applies for your child.
Managing Common Childhood Illnesses in Hervey Bay
Children commonly experience minor illnesses as their immune systems develop. While many conditions improve with time and supportive care, it can be helpful to have a GP assess symptoms — especially when a child is very young or symptoms are concerning.
Respiratory Symptoms
Coughs, colds and viral infections are common in children. We can assess breathing, hydration and signs of complications, and provide management advice. If appropriate, we can support action plans for wheeze/asthma.
Ear Pain & Infections
Ear pain is common in young children. Symptoms may include fever, irritability, reduced feeding and sleep disturbance. We can examine your child’s ears and discuss treatment options.
Skin Rashes & Allergies
Eczema, heat rashes, allergic reactions and insect bites are frequent presentations in Queensland. We can help identify triggers and recommend appropriate treatment.
Fever & Gastro
Fever can occur with many childhood infections. Gastroenteritis is common when children start childcare or school. We assess hydration and provide practical, age-appropriate guidance.
Supporting Your Child's Development
Every child develops at their own pace, but some children benefit from early support. Your GP can help identify developmental concerns and connect your family with appropriate services.
Parents’ observations matter: Your notes about speech, movement, behaviour, learning or social interaction are important clinical information.
What we look at: Depending on age and presentation, assessments can include gross motor skills, fine motor skills, speech and language, social interaction, play skills, and self-care abilities.
Early Childhood Approach and NDIS: For some children, referrals and supporting documentation may help families access early childhood supports. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and program requirements.
When to Bring Your Child to See a GP
We welcome children of all ages for any health concern. The examples below are common reasons families book an appointment:
Bring Your Child to See Us When:
- Babies under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher need to be seen straight away – please go to your nearest emergency department rather than booking a routine appointment (call 000 if your baby is very unwell). See Children's Health Queensland – fever.
- Your child has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, especially with signs of dehydration
- You notice changes in your child's breathing, including rapid breathing, wheezing, or increased effort
- Your child has severe or persistent ear pain
- A rash develops suddenly, particularly if accompanied by fever
- Your child seems unusually drowsy, irritable, or “not themselves”
- You have concerns about your child's growth, development, learning or behaviour
- It's time for a scheduled immunisation or health check
Emergency: If your child is very unwell, has severe breathing difficulty, a seizure, a blue/grey colour, or you’re seriously concerned, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
All of Our GPs See Children
All of our GPs see babies, children and teenagers. If your child already has a regular doctor, we recommend booking with them for continuity of care. You can also request a female GP if preferred (availability varies).
Below are a few of our doctors who families often book with for children’s appointments — but you’re welcome to book with any of our GPs.
Dr Priyani Perera
Passionate about family nutrition and supporting healthy growth in children. Languages: English, Sinhalese.
Existing patients only – Dr Perera is not accepting new patients and will be on maternity leave from October 2026.
Dr Saharish Aman
O&G background with interest in supporting families and children across all ages.
Dr Katherine Sparks
Nutrition science background from UQ. Deep ties to the Fraser Coast community.
Existing patients only – Dr Sparks is not accepting new patients and finishes at the practice in January 2027.
Dr Tin Aung
Provides family-focused GP care, including assessment of common childhood presentations.
Prefer to book with a different GP? No problem — all of our GPs see children. Choose any doctor when booking online.
Children's Health Fees at Main Street Medical Centre
We aim to make care accessible for families. GP consultations are bulk billed for children with a valid Medicare card, including longer appointments and care plans.
| Service | With Medicare Card | Without Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GP Consultation (Under 16) | Bulk billed – $0 | $89 |
| Immunisations (NIP schedule) | Available for eligible patients | Contact us |
| Developmental / wellbeing consultation | Bulk billed – $0 | $89 |
| Chronic Disease Management Plan | Bulk billed – $0 (eligibility applies) | Fees vary |
| Mental Health Plan | Bulk billed – $0 (eligibility applies) | Fees vary |
| Telehealth Consultation | Bulk billed – $0 (eligibility applies) | $89 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Health Care
Yes. All of our GPs see babies, children and teenagers. If your child already has a regular GP, booking with them supports continuity of care. You can choose any doctor when booking online.
Yes. GP consultations for children are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, including longer appointments and care plans. Private fees apply only to some procedures and to forms or services that Medicare does not cover — see our fees page, or ask reception to confirm before booking.
Yes. You can request a specific doctor when booking. Availability varies by appointment type and clinician schedules.
Please bring your child's Medicare card, Personal Health Record (Red Book) for children under 5, any relevant previous medical records, and a list of current medications if applicable. It’s also helpful to write down your questions or concerns beforehand.
We try to accommodate same-day appointments for unwell children whenever possible. Please call (07) 4325 4000 early in the morning if your child needs to be seen urgently. If your child is very unwell or you’re seriously concerned, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Yes. Our GPs can review your child’s immunisation history and, where appropriate, plan a catch-up schedule. We can also provide immunisation history statements for childcare, kindergarten, or school enrolment.
We encourage you to raise any developmental concerns with your GP. We use age-appropriate screening and can refer to relevant services if needed. Many families find it helpful to bring notes about specific observations to the appointment.
Book Your Child's Health Appointment Today
Whether it’s time for immunisations, a developmental check, or you’re concerned about symptoms, our team is here to help. All of our GPs see children.
Book Online Now71 Main Street, Pialba QLD 4655
Proudly Serving Families Across the Fraser Coast
External guidance checked 7 October 2026