Healthy start to high school: immunisation reminder

Western Sydney Local Health District nurses will visit schools to vaccinate more than 22,000 Year 7 and 10 students this month and parents are being encouraged to provide consent.

Caroline Scott, School Vaccination Co-ordinator said vaccines are important to protect children against diseases including whooping cough and human papillomavirus (HPV).

“Making sure that all children are up to date with their immunisations reduces their risk of getting a serious illness,” Ms Scott said.

“The vaccines offered to Year 7 students will help protect them from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and human papillomavirus (HPV).

“The vaccine offered to Year 10 students provides protection from four strains of meningococcal bacteria.”

Ms Scott said information kits will be sent home with their child, which parents should read, sign, and return.

“The most important thing for parents is to ensure your child’s signed consent form gets back to school.”

Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

On-time vaccination and overall participation in childhood immunisation programs continues to improve in NSW, with 94.5 per cent of children fully vaccinated by five years of age in the past 12 months compared with 90.8 per cent in 2012.

To help students prepare for immunisation, WSLHD has information for students and parents here: www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Immunisation

If students miss any vaccinations, catch-up days will be available. For more information contact the WSLHD Vaccination Team on 9840 3603.