First Aid News 

FIRST AID/SICK BAY

Here at the College we provide immediate first aid treatment for students in the case of accident or illness. However we have limited resources and as such do not have the facilities to care for students for extended periods of time. If the ailment requires medical attention appropriate treatment should be sought from a health professional.

With this in mind it is extremely important that we have current contact details for parents and guardians.

 It is also very important that you provide the school with a number of emergency contacts in case you are unavailable or the school cannot reach you if your child becomes ill or is injured.

Parents and carers who collect their child from school for any reason (other than an emergency) must sign the child out of the school in the register located at the Main Office.

Health & COVID 19

It is important that students who feel unwell with cold or flu like symptoms stay at home to recover and seek medical advice.

If your child becomes unwell at school with any of the following symptoms: Fever, coughing, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose or shortness of breath they MUST report to sickbay at the main office.

Parents or Guardians will be contacted and asked to collect their child as soon as possible, return home and seek advice from a health professional.

Students should not to return to school until their symptoms are resolved.

1. With this in mind, it is extremely important that we have current contact details for parents and guardians.
2. It is also very important that you provide the school with a number of emergency contacts in case you are unavailable or the school cannot reach you if your child becomes ill or is injured.

Schools Vaccination Program for Years 7 and 10 students

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free vaccines to all eligible Year 7 and Year 10 students. 

Year 7 students: Thursday March 23rd 2023

• Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

Year 10 students: Tuesday May 30th 2023

• Meningococcal ACWY 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine information update for parents/guardians

 From 6 February 2023, the routine two dose HPV vaccine schedule provided to young people aged 12-13 years through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has become a single dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. 

What is the HPV vaccine?

The Gardasil®9 vaccine protects against HPV infection, which is a common viral infection, usually affecting the genitals and spread through sexual contact. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, that is before a person becomes sexually active.  More information about HPV and the HPV vaccine can be found on the Better Health Channel.<https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/human-papillomavirus-hpv-immunisation>

How has the HPV vaccine schedule changed? 

From 6 February 2023, the recommended HPV vaccine schedule for most people has changed from two-doses to a single dose course using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. There is no change to the amount of vaccine that is given in the single dose. 

The schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people. A 3-dose schedule of HPV vaccine is recommended for people with severely immunocompromising conditions, regardless of their age when they started vaccination. 

Why was this change made?

The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), who have considered and reviewed the latest international clinical evidence. ATAGI support the large volume of clinical findings that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses of HPV vaccine.  

What do you need to do?

Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations delivered to students at school as usual. 

If you would like to discuss the change, or clarify any information about the HPV vaccine please contact your local council.

Further information

Better Health Channel

 https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/human-papillomavirus-hpv-immunisation

Has your child missed Secondary School vaccinations? 

Wellington Shire Council are conducting catch-up sessions for all immunisations funded under the National Immunisation Program. This includes the following Secondary School Immunisations;

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and HPV vaccinations usually administered at 12-13yrs of age (but eligible for catch up until 20yrs of age)
• Meningococcal ACW&Y vaccine usually administered at 15-16yrs of age (but eligible for catch up until 20yrs of age)

Please note, from 6 February 2023, the dose schedule for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has changed to a single dose, and eligibility for the catch-up program will be extended up to and including 25 years of age under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). If your child has received a single dose prior to February 6, 2023, they are now considered up-to-date with HPV vaccinations.   

Key points about the change to the program

• The HPV vaccine (Gardasil®9) is funded and primarily delivered through school immunisation programs to young people aged approximately 12 to 13 years.
• From 6 February 2023, the routine two dose HPV vaccine schedule provided to young people aged 12-13 years, will become a single dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine.
• The ongoing NIP funded catch-up program for young people who missed HPV vaccination, has also been extended to include those up to and including 25 years of age (increased from 19 years of age). 

Catch up Sessions

The following catch-up sessions are available, and bookings are recommended;

Secondary School Vaccinations are available at all our community sessions that operate monthly at locations across Sale, Maffra, Heyfield, and Yarram.

Bookings can be made online at: www.wellington.vic.gov.au/immunisation

Or using our QR Code:   Please note: The community session in Sale on 28th June, is during the midyear School holidays between 9.30am to 10.30am.

How to check your child’s record   

MyGov

You will need to have a MyGov Account and link Medicare by using a linking code, and your Medicare card number. Please visit  the Services Australia Website for further information 

myGov help - Link Medicare to myGov using a linking code - Services Australia

Medicare Mobile App

To use this app, you will also need to link your MyGov account to Medicare.

Australian Immunisation register 

Call 1800 653 809

Your Immunisation Provider 

Wellington Shire Council, call 1300 366 244 and ask to speak to the Immunisation Coordinator or a member of the Environmental Health Team. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or queries about the changes to the immunisation program sessions, please do not hesitate to contact our Environmental Health Department on 1300 366 244 or by email at health@wellington.vic.gov.au