Healthy Community
Stay well this winter
Influenza (flu) can be serious, especially for children.
Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones with an annual flu vaccine. The earlier you and your family get vaccinated, the better your protection heading into winter.
Keeping our school community well
We encourage parents and carers and students to:
- wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
- cough or sneeze into your elbow
- stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed
- stay up to date with your flu vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu, especially babies and toddlers. They can get a free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
You can book a flu vaccine through your GP or pharmacy, or find a flu vaccine near you.
RSV vaccinations for mothers and babies
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that causes colds and ear infections. In babies, it can cause severe illness like bronchiolitis.
The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. In Victoria, eligible babies can also get the RSV vaccine until Wednesday 30 September 2026.
You can speak with your GP or midwife about the vaccine.
Protecting against measles
Measles cases are rising in Victoria and around the world. Returned travellers make up most cases, but local spread has also been detected.
Vaccination is the most safe and effective way to protect yourself and others against measles. People need 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine to be fully protected.
To help protect against measles, you should check your family’s measles vaccinations today.
This is particularly important if you are:
· planning any travel
· were born during or after 1966
· were born overseas
You can check your measles vaccination records:
· on your Medicare online account through MyGov or by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809
· on your personal health records, such as your childhood immunisation records
· by speaking to your GP or immunisation provider
About measles
Measles is a viral infection. It spreads easily from airborne droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing, and nose and throat secretions.
Symptoms may include:
· fever
· feeling tired or unwell
· cough or runny nose
· sore and red eyes (conjunctivitis)
· diarrhoea – especially in infants.
This is usually followed by a red, blotchy, non-itchy rash that often starts on the face before spreading down the body.
Measles can cause serious illness and be life-threatening. People who are not fully immunised or have not had a previous measles infection are at increased risk.
Pregnant women, children aged under 5 years and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness and complications.
If your child develops measles symptoms, you should:
· keep your child home from school and seek medical care and testing
· call the health service and wear a face mask when travelling to and attending the health service
· let our school know if your child has measles, or is being tested for measles
· keep your child at home until well and advised by a health professional.
Free measles vaccines
Anyone who does not have 2 doses of measles vaccine, or is unsure, can get a measles vaccine.
Free vaccines are available for:
· infants aged 12 months to 18 months
· children and teenagers aged under 20 years
· adult refugees and humanitarian entrants.
Free vaccines are also available for anyone with or without a Medicare card if they are:
· born during or after 1966 who have not received 2 doses or are unsure, including people born overseas
· infants from 6 months and before 11 months of age before overseas travel.
Vaccination is widely available at your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service. Call ahead to see if you are eligible for a free vaccine.
Find out more
For more information, refer to:
· the Better Health Channel web page How to find your immunisation records
· the Department of Health for translated resources about measles and measles immunisations
· your GP, local pharmacist, local council or Aboriginal Health Service.