Staying Well This Winter

In Victoria, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection numbers are high among children aged 5 to 11 years, particularly in those in their first few years of school. The Victorian Department of Health expects more respiratory infections over Term 3.

Most children with flu or RSV have a mild fever, runny nose or cough. Some children, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions, may have more severe illness.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to:

• wash and sanitise their hands regularly

• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

• stay at home if unwell and consult a general practitioner (GP) or NURSE-ON-CALL as needed

• stay up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Our school has masks for staff, students and visitors if they want to wear them.

Flu vaccinations

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. As part of the National Immunisation Program, it is free for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older

• children aged 6 months to under 5 years

• people aged 6 months or older with underlying medical conditions.

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs, pharmacies or your local council immunisation service.

Find out more

For more information about staying safe this winter, refer to:

• Stay well this winter on the Better Health Channel, translated into 16 languages

• Influenza and immunisation on the Better Health Channel

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the Better Health Channel

• Getting vaccinated against influenza

Current advice to schools regarding the management of Covid-19:

The Department of Health recommends that staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 isolate for a minimum of 5 days and do not attend school until their symptoms resolve.
As of 10 July 2023 schools are no longer required to record student cases of COVID-19 reported by parents or carers in the School COVID-19 Case Management Tool. This change is consistent with changes Department of Health made on 1 July 2023, removing the option for the community to self-report their rapid antigen test (RAT) results.
The following link provides further information about how schools manage Covid 19 from the latest update to the School Operations Guide (25 July).

COVID-19 — School Operations: Advice | education.vic.gov.au

Other Links

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria

Coronavirus Hotline - 1800 675 398

Nurse on Call - Hotline 1300 60 60 24

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