Beaumaris Secondary College Newsletter

Secondary School Immunisation Program

What is the Secondary school immunisation program?

The secondary school immunisation program offers free vaccines provided by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) each year to students in Year 7 and Year 10. 

Year 7 students 

  • single dose of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (unless student is immunocompromised)
  • single booster dose of diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine

Year 10 students

  • single dose of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine

HPV vaccine schedule change 2023

  • From February 2023, the recommended HPV vaccine schedule for most people has changed from two-doses to a single dose course using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine. There is no change to the amount of vaccine that is given in the single dose.
  • The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) who have considered the latest international scientific and clinical evidence. A single dose provides comparable protection as a two-dose course.
  • Most young people who have already received one dose of HPV vaccine are now considered fully vaccinated under this program change and will not need any further doses. 
  • There is no change to the dosing schedule for people who are  immunocompromised. They should still receive the recommended three doses of the HPV vaccine which are all funded under the NIP.  
  • The catch-up program for adolescents who missed vaccination at school has also been extended to include young people up to and including 25 years of age). This will allow greater access to and equity of vaccination. 

Key messages for parents/guardians

  • Vaccine information and consent forms for Year 7 and Year 10 students are sent home from school with your child. 
  • Read the vaccine information, complete, and return the signed consent form.
  • If you choose not to consent for your child to be vaccinated as part of the school-based immunisation program, you also need to return the consent form. 
  • For further information about the school-based immunisation program contact the local council immunisation service.
  • To learn more about the Secondary school immunisation program in Victoria visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools