Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Year 7 and Year 10 secondary school students can receive free immunisations as part of the National Immunisation Program.
- Immunisations are organised at school and administered by nurses from council immunisation providers.
- Secondary school students are at an age when some vaccines will be most effective and provide protection before possible exposure to a disease.
- Adolescents who don’t attend secondary school can also access free vaccines from a GP, some pharmacies or their local council immunisation service.
On this page
COVID-19 vaccines: For information about COVID-19 vaccines please go to the Victorian Government's Coronavirus (COVID-19) website.
About immunisation
Every day, immunisation saves lives by reducing the spread of disease.
The protection provided by some childhood immunisations reduces over time and needs to be boosted in adolescence. Secondary school students are at an age when some vaccines will be most effective and provide protection before possible exposure to a disease.
The Victorian secondary school immunisation program supports adolescents to receive vaccines free-of-charge as part of the National Immunisation Program.
Immunisation is usually organised through council visits to secondary schools. Local councils work with secondary schools to arrange for immunisation nurses to administer the vaccines at school.
Vaccines provided in secondary school
The following vaccines are provided to free-of-charge to Year 7 and Year 10 students.
Year 7
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).
Year 10
- Meningococcal ACWY.
Consent for immunisation
An information and consent form is provided by local councils to all students that must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian if they are under the age of 18, or by the student if they are over 18.
It contains information about:
- the vaccines
- the diseases they protect against
- possible side effects
- the circumstances in which someone should not have the vaccines how you can decline the offer of free, school-based immunisation.
When a vaccine at school is missed
If your child missed a school immunisation they can visit their local council immunisation service, some pharmacies or a GP to receive the missed vaccine. This should be done as soon as possible.
Some vaccines may need to be ordered in advance, so let your pharmacist, GP or nurse know which immunisation you need when you arrange the appointment. The vaccines are free, and you can access them at your council immunisation provider without any out-of-pocket costs. A pharmacist or GP may charge a consultation fee.
Adolescents who don't attend a mainstream secondary school
Adolescents who do not attend mainstream schools can receive immunisations in some pharmacies, a GP or their local council immunisation service.
Other available immunisations
Other immunisations are available for students and adolescents depending on their health, age, lifestyle or occupation (HALO). Your GP can provide advice on any early childhood immunisations that may have been missed, or any other immunisations that may be needed.
You can check your immunisation HALO using the Immunisation for Life infographic below:
Reactions to immunisation
There are possible mild reactions that follow immunisation such as a mild headache, and soreness or redness at the injection site. There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine. It is important to stay at the school or clinic where the immunisation was given for at least 15 minutes after being immunised to monitor for symptoms of a reaction. If you are concerned about any reaction to the vaccine, contact your local council, pharmacist, GP or hospital.
If a child is known to faint or be very anxious, it may be better for them to be vaccinated with a GP rather than at school.
Immunisation side effects should be reported to the Victorian vaccine safety service (SAFEVAC), the central reporting service in Victoria, on Tel. 1300 882 924 (select option 1). You can discuss with your immunisation provider how to report adverse events in other states or territories.
Where to get help
- In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
- Your GP (doctor)
- Your local community health centre
- Your local council immunisation service - Find your council, Vic Councils
- NURSE-ON-CALL (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice
- Immunisation Unit, Department of Health, Victorian Government email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
- National Immunisation Information Line Tel. 1800 671 811
- SAFEVAC Tel. 1300 882 924 - option 1 or email enquiries@saefvic.org.au
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria Tel. 1800 675 398
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation service, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- School-based vaccinations for teens, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine for teens, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Diphtheria vaccine, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Tetanus vaccine, Department of Health, Australian Government.
- Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine, Department of Health, Australian Government.
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