Immunisation catch-ups

Secondary school immunisations are provided to students to reduce their risk of contracting preventable diseases and some cancers. Health advice regarding immunisations recommends students receive the following:

Year 7

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (one dose)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (one dose).

Year 10

• Meningococcal A, C, W, Y vaccine (one dose).

There are a number of students in years 7 to 12 who may have missed these important vaccines. This puts students at an increased risk of illness. 

If your child missed out on their school-based vaccinations, please speak to your GP or local council immunisation service about how they can catch up. 

To check if your child is due for any vaccines, refer to their immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register, using your MyGov account. If your child is aged over 14, they may need to access their immunisation history statement themselves, through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.

New HPV vaccination resources to assist young people with disability

Young people with disability should have the same access to preventive healthcare and immunisations as everyone else. Vaccinations can be stressful, and there are sometimes unique barriers for people with disability. 

Cancer Council Victoria, in consultation with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Scope Australia, has developed the following resources for parents and carers to improve the vaccination experience for young people with disability:

• Help your child with disability get the HPV vaccine (fact sheet)
• Supporting your child with a disability with vaccination (videos)
• Preparing for school vaccinations (social story).