In 2015 three major changes to the vaccine program will impact on parents of secondary school students:
1) The Campaspe Council’s immunisation service may contact you about the secondary school vaccine program. Schools have been authorised to provide parent contact details to local councils for this purpose. Contact the school on 5482 1133 by 28 February 2015 if you do not want your contact details given to the Campaspe Council.
2) In 2015 only, the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough will be offered to all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. From 2016, this vaccine will be offered to Year 7 students only. This will provide earlier protection from these diseases.
3) The time-limited human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program for Year 9 boys was completed in December 2014. HPV vaccine will continue to be offered to all students (both male and female) in Year 7 from 2015.
Look out for the vaccine consent form/s coming home from school with your child. You need to read, complete and return the form/s regardless of whether your child is being immunised at school.
To learn more about the changes, the diseases, the vaccines, or how you can prepare your child for vaccination go to immunehero.health.vic.gov.au
