First Aid News
Kerry Liddell
MSC First Aide Officer
FIRST AID/SICK BAY
Here at the College we provide immediate first aid treatment for students in the case of accident or illness. However, we have limited resources and as such do not have the facilities to care for students for extended periods of time. If the ailment requires medical attention appropriate treatment should be sought from a health professional.
With this in mind, it is extremely important that we have current contact details for parents and guardians.
It is also very important that you provide the school with a number of emergency contacts in case you are unavailable or the school cannot reach you if your child becomes ill or is injured.
Parents and carers who collect their child from school for any reason (other than an emergency) must sign the child out of the school in the register located at the Main Office.
Health & COVID 19
It is important that students who feel unwell with cold or flu like symptoms stay at home to recover and seek medical advice.
If your child becomes unwell at school with any of the following symptoms: Fever, coughing, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose or shortness of breath they MUST report to sickbay at the main office.
Parents or Guardians will be contacted and asked to collect their child as soon as possible, return home and seek advice from a health professional.
Students should not to return to school until their symptoms are resolved.
- With this in mind, it is extremely important that we have current contact details for parents and guardians.
- It is also very important that you provide the school with a number of emergency contacts in case you are unavailable or the school cannot reach you if your child becomes ill or is injured.
Schools Vaccination Program for Years 7 and 10 students
The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free vaccines to all eligible Year 7 and Year 10 students.
Year 7 students: Thursday March 23rd 2023
- Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Year 10 students: Tuesday May 30th 2023
- Meningococcal ACWY
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine information update for parents/guardians
From 6 February 2023, the routine two dose HPV vaccine schedule provided to young people aged 12-13 years through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) has become a single dose schedule using the same Gardasil®9 vaccine.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The Gardasil®9 vaccine protects against HPV infection, which is a common viral infection, usually affecting the genitals and spread through sexual contact. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, that is before a person becomes sexually active. More information about HPV and the HPV vaccine can be found on the Better Health Channel.<https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/human-papillomavirus-hpv-immunisation>
How has the HPV vaccine schedule changed?
From 6 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 schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people. A 3-dose schedule of HPV vaccine is recommended for people with severely immunocompromising conditions, regardless of their age when they started vaccination.
Why was this change made?
The change is based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), who have considered and reviewed the latest international clinical evidence. ATAGI support the large volume of clinical findings that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses of HPV vaccine.
What do you need to do?
Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations delivered to students at school as usual.
If you would like to discuss the change, or clarify any information about the HPV vaccine please contact your local council.
Further information
Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/human-papillomavirus-hpv-immunisation
