School-based vaccination
Immunisation is a proven and safe way to protect against diseases that cause serious illness and sometimes death.
The protection provided by some childhood immunisations fades over time and needs to be boosted in adolescence, so we visit all secondary schools in our community to give immunisations to students in Year 7 and Year 10.
If your child missed their vaccinations, you can catch up by making an appointment at one of our public sessions.
Vaccine schedule
The following vaccines are routinely provided free of charge to all Victorian Year 7 and Year 10 students under the Immunise Australia Program.
Gardasil 9 is offered to all Year 7 students (or age equivalent, 12-13 years).
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil®9 dosing schedule has changed from two doses of vaccine to a single dose for most people.
The age of eligibility for free catch-up vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has increased from 19 to 25 years of age.
Why has it changed?
The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) who have considered the large volume of international clinical evidence that supports a single dose providing comparable protection as two doses.
Gardasil 9 will provide fully vaccinated females with protection against 90% of cervical cancers by protecting them against all the HPV strains in the current vaccine, as well as the five most common HPV types associated with cervical cancer in the new vaccine.
It will also continue to provide males and females protection against less common HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Don't let your child miss out on this important vaccine. Complete their consent card and return to the school on time.
For more information about this disease, visit the HPV Vaccine website.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule.
The primary course of vaccination is at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
A booster dose is given at 4 years of age and the second booster is required in adolescence to ensure ongoing protection.
Meningococcal W vaccine is offered to Year 10 students (or age equivalent).
Meningococcal bacteria are passed from person to person by regular, close, prolonged household and intimate contact.
For more information about Meningococcal W and the vaccine, visit the Department of Health website.
Parental consent for immunisation
Your secondary school will email a link to provide student consent several weeks prior to the scheduled visit. We ask that you complete this online form, even if you do not want your child to be immunised, this assists Council in assessing total immunised in our community.
If you are unsure about your child's current immunisation status, please contact us on 03 9217 2170.
When a school vaccine is missed
If your child misses a school immunisation session, you are welcome to attend any one of our public immunisation sessions, a booking is required or alternatively attend your GP clinic to receive the missed vaccine.
Book a public immunisation session
Information for young people
Immunisation is important as it protects you from serious and preventable diseases. If you're worried about injections, watch this short video for tips on what to expect on the day of vaccination.
If you have any questions, call us on 03 9217 2170.