Healthy Community

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. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from 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 2023 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.

You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 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.

Staying COVID Safe

Please encourage students to test if they have symptoms and notify the school if positive. 

The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians should report their RAT result to the Department of Health online, or by calling 1800 675 398. The Department of Health also recommends that a person who tests positive to COVID-19 report that result to their school.

Where a student is identified as a positive case, the following steps should be taken:

1.            Parents/carers should complete the Student COVID-19 COVID Test Portal if a 

               student tests positive to COVID-19 (via a PCR or rapid antigen test). 

2.            Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum 

               of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who 

                isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test should be supported in the same

                way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning                     materials provided to support their continued learning.

Schools will continue using air purifiers, external ventilation maximised, and good personal hygiene is encouraged. Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask is supported to do so, and schools will continue to make them available.

For general advice and support please call the Department of Education  COVID-19 hotline.   The number is 1800 338 663. 

Advice and further resources about what to do if you test positive to COVID-19, or you have been told you are a contact are at: Your COVID Checklist | Coronavirus Victoria, or call the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on: 1800 675 398