Health Centre
School Immunisation Program
Immunisation is the best way to protect us from serious infectious diseases. By "training" the immune system to recognise and fight harmful germs, vaccines help keep our community safe.
Who is Eligible?
Free vaccinations are offered to all Year 7 and Year 10 students as part of the National Immunisation Program.
- How it works: Vaccinations are delivered on-site by qualified nurse immunisers from the local council.
- Missed the day? If your child misses the school session, you can still access free vaccines through your GP, local pharmacy, or council immunisation service.
Scheduled Vaccinations days
May 8th @ 9am
Year 10: Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
July 22nd @ 9am
Year 7: Adolescent ‘booster’ dose of diphtheria-tetanus- pertussis (dTpa) vaccine and Human papillomavirus virus (HPV) vaccine
More information on specific vaccines can be found on:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/healthyliving/immunisation
Action Required: Consent
Students cannot be vaccinated at school without formal consent from a parent or guardian. Consent is now digital. A link will be sent to you several weeks prior to the vax date.
Preparing for Vax Day
To help your child’s wellbeing, please ensure they:
- Eat a substantial breakfast.
- Wear a loose-sleeved shirt.
- Inform the nurse if they are feeling nervous or unwell.
Stay for 15 minutes after the jab for observation.
After-Care & Side Effects
Most reactions are mild and fade quickly. Common side effects include a sore/red arm, low-grade fever, or headache.
- Tips: Drink plenty of fluids, use a cold cloth on the injection site, or take paracetamol if needed.
Anxiety: If your child is prone to fainting or high anxiety, we recommend visiting your GP for the vaccination instead of the school session.
Contact & Support
If you have questions or your child missed their session, please contact:
- College Nurses: nurse@smseymour.catholic.edu.au
- Mitchell Shire Immunisation: 03 5734 6355 or immunisation@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
- NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24 (24/7 expert advice)
- Helpful Resource: Click here for a "Social Story" to help prepare your child.
https://hpvvaccine.org.au/downloads/NECAS-social-i-will-get-vaccines-at-school.pdf
Lisa Glover
nurse@smseymour.catholic.edu.au
Kath Treble