Health Promotion News
Parent Vaping & Smoking Information
Stay Well this Winter
Parent Vaping and Smoking Information
Parents, carers, schools, and community all play an important role in protecting children and young people from, and educating them about, the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.
Research from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne shows many parents and carers are not aware of the harmful effects or how their views about smoking and vaping can impact the likelihood of a young person taking up smoking or vaping, to view this information, click here.
The Department of Education has developed resources to help you learn more about the health risks of smoking and vaping. The resources include advice about how to talk to children and young people about vaping, and where to get support. There is also a list of parent resources in the attachments below. To access the resources, click here.
You can also view this video on smoking and vaping from experts at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for health advice and tips for starting a conversation with young people.
Stay well this winter
Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.
Keeping our school community well
Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:
- washing and sanitising hands regularly
- avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
- staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
COVID-19 booster
The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.
Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2024 booster dose.
You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.
Find out more
For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to: