Vaccinations
| Vaccinations available for all Australians aged 12 years and older. |
Dear parents/guardians and carers,
As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, from Monday, 13 September, all Australians aged 12 and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Victorians aged 12 years and older are eligible to book and receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, Commonwealth vaccination centre, participating GP clinics, pharmacies and community health services.
Vaccination is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. Getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect your child, your family and our school community from further outbreaks and the spread of COVID-19. Please make an appointment to be vaccinated yourselves if you have not done so already.
The Victorian Government’s aim is to provide an opportunity for all children aged 12 years and older to receive at least one vaccine dose by the end of the school year.
We have written to your child to provide them with information about their eligibility for getting a vaccination. Students will be supported in every way possible to be vaccinated before the end of the school year.
Consent
Students aged 12 to 15 can book their own appointment and may be able to consent to vaccination themselves if the health professional assesses them to be a mature minor. This means that the health professional assesses that they understand the information relevant to this decision to be vaccinated and the effect of that decision.
Where a student is not considered to be a mature minor by the health professional, the health professional will seek consent from the student’s parent/carer.
Parents/carers can attend with their child to provide consent in person, or can complete a consent form for COVID-19 vaccination for their child to bring to their appointment.
If you have any health concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines, please speak to your GP.
You can also refer to the Department of Health website for information on vaccine safety and possible side effects.
How to book an appointment
Bookings for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be made for children aged 12 years and older via state vaccination centres, Commonwealth vaccination centres, participating GP clinics, pharmacies and community health services.
You can find a participating Commonwealth vaccination centre, GP, pharmacy or community health service through the Australian Government Eligibility Checker. You can book your child’s appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.
You can book or change a vaccination appointment at a state vaccination centre through the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine online booking system.
To find a state vaccination centre and opening times, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
For information on what to bring to a vaccine appointment please visit Checklist: before your COVID-19 vaccination.
More information
Translated advice about COVID-19 vaccines is available on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website.
For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.
For further assistance, contact:
- the Department of Health Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398
- the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline: 1800 020 080
Vaccines and Mental Health webinar for students on Tuesday 14 September
The Victorian Department of Health is hosting a live webinar for young people to provide information on COVID-19 vaccines and how to support their mental health. Your child can join the free webinar on Tuesday 14 September, from 6pm to 7pm. Registration is via this link.
Topics will include:
- vaccine development and safety
- accessing and consenting to a vaccination
- how to book an appointment
- supporting your mental health
- question and answer session with the panel.
This event will be held via Microsoft Teams Live. For access information visit Attend a live event in Teams.
Dr David Howes
Deputy Secretary
Schools and Regional Services
FAQs
When is the COVID-19 vaccine becoming available to students?
All students 12 years and over are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and are encouraged to book as soon as possible.
The Victorian Government’s aim is to provide an opportunity for all children aged 12 years and older to receive at least one vaccine dose by the end of the school year.
Students, parents/guardians and carers are encouraged to book their vaccine at a vaccination centre using the online booking system or by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. You can also get a COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, a Commonwealth vaccination centre, or through a GP clinic, pharmacy or community health service.
Can students aged 12 to 15 consent to their own appointment?
Students aged 12 to 15 can book their own appointment and may be able to consent to vaccination themselves if the health professional assesses them to be a mature minor. This means that the health professional assesses that they understand the information relevant to this decision to be vaccinated and the effect of that decision.
Where a student is not considered to be a mature minor by the health professional, the health professional will seek consent from the student’s parent/carer.
Parents/carers can complete a consent form for COVID-19 vaccination for their child to bring to their appointment, or parents/carers can attend with their child to provide consent in person.