Topic: School Based Vaccination Program - eligibility
Description
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends various vaccines for adolescents to protect them through to adulthood.
Coordinated by Queensland Health, the School Based Vaccination Program provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to have their children vaccinated against certain diseases through their school at no cost. The Program is offered to children of secondary school age in state and non-state schools.
The following information provides advice on eligibility for the School Based Vaccination Program.
Practical Advice
A child is eligible for vaccine as part of the School Based Vaccination Program according to the Year level they are in at school (eg. Year 8 or Year 10). Eligibility is not based on their age.
Each year, Queensland Health offers the following vaccinations to all Year 8 and 10 students at school. Vaccine is also free for adolescents not at school who would normally be in Year 8 or Year 10.
Year 8 students:
- Hepatitis B
two doses of vaccine given four to six months apart - Chickenpox
one dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine - Human papillomavirus (to protect against cervical cancer)
three doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for female students given over a six month period (usually at 0, 2 and 6 months).
Year 10 students:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
one booster dose of adult/adolescent diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccine
If you home school your children, the recommended vaccines offered in the school program are also available free in the age equivalent school year. For more information see the School Based Vaccination Program – advice for parents who home school factsheet
What if my child can't be vaccinated at school or misses out because of illness or absence?
If your child can't be vaccinated at school:
- they can attend a catch-up session if offered by the same service provider in the same calendar year (ask service provider for details); or
- you can take your child to your doctor before the end of the following calender year, however be aware you may have to pay a consultation fee. The vaccine is free.
If you plan to take your child to your doctor, you will need to advise the practice reception what vaccination/s you need when you make the appointment. This allows the practice time to order vaccine.
You are strongly encouraged to have your child vaccinated in the year the vaccine is offered in the school program. To be eligible for the funded vaccine all vaccinations need to be completed by the end of the following calender year.
Other Resources
For information, see the School Based Vaccination Program website
Contact the Area School Based Vaccination Program Co-ordinator:
- Southern Queensland 07 5509 7222
- Central Queensland 07 3142 1800
- Northern Queensland 07 4753 9034
Contact your local Queensland Health Public Health Unit:
- Brisbane Southside 07 3000 9148
- Brisbane Northside 07 3624 1111
- Cairns 07 4050 3600
- Darling Downs 07 4631 9888
- Gold Coast 07 5509 7222
- Logan 07 3412 2989
- Mackay 07 4968 6611
- Moreton Bay 07 3142 1800
- Mount Isa 07 4744 9100
- Rockhampton 07 4920 6989
- Sunshine Coast 07 5409 6600
- Townsville 07 4753 9000
- West Moreton 07 3413 1200
- Wide Bay 07 4184 1800
Visit the Immunise Australia website at www.immunise.health.gov.au
Contact your doctor.
Contact the Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811
Related Content
School Based Vaccination Program – missed vaccinations
School Based Vaccination Program – Advice for parents of special school students
School Based Vaccination Program – Advice for parents who home school
Last updated: 13th September, 2010
Review Date: 31st December, 2010
