Dear students,

As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, all students aged 16 years and above are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

The Victorian Government aims to fully vaccinate all final year students by the time they sit their end-of-year exams and provide at least one dose for children aged 12 and older by the end of the school year. Final year students are therefore urged to immediately make an appointment to receive a vaccine by following the instructions under the heading ‘How to book an appointment’ below.

All eligible students are encouraged to make an appointment to receive the vaccine at a state vaccination centre as soon as possible.

We are particularly encouraging final year students to make an early appointment as this will support the safe conduct of the VCE examinations late this year. You will be supported in every way possible to be vaccinated before the examinations begin.

All GAT students are encouraged to book in for your first dose before the GAT on 5 October. With limited vaccine supply, there are limited appointments available, you’re encouraged to check for appointments in state-run vaccination sites, and at General Practices. However, it is recommended you don’t get your first vaccine on the day of an exam, or the day before an exam - to avoid feeling common but mild side effects such as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, fever and chills and/or joint pain during your exam.

Please discuss your vaccination with your parent/guardian or carer and with your teachers to plan your absence and minimise disruption to your learning if your absence is during school hours.

Consent

Students can book their own appointment and consent to vaccination themselves if the health professional assesses them to be a mature minor.

How to book an appointment

To book an appointment, visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.auwebsite or contact the Coronavirus hotline by phoning 1800 675 398.

To find a vaccination centre and opening times, visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website.

From 30 August, people aged 16-39 can get their COVID-19 vaccine at a doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service through the Australian Government Eligibility Checker. You can book your appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.

What to bring

Bring these things, if you have them:

• a face mask

• any emails about your vaccination appointment (on your phone or printed)

• photo identification, if you have one, such as a passport or driver’s licence

• a Medicare card or Individual Healthcare Identifier number

Please refer to Department Health information on what to bring to your vaccine appointment for more information.

More information

For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.auor use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.

For further assistance, contact:

• the Department of Health Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398

• the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline: 1800 020 080.

Many thanks,

Brad Moyle

Principal

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