Topic: School Based Vaccination Program - Hepatitis B vaccination (Year 8 students)
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 the hepatitis B vaccine for Year 8 students.
Practical Advice
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus can cause either acute (short-lived) or chronic (long term) liver disease.
While most people infected with hepatitis B will clear the infection, up to 10% of older children and adults will continue to carry the virus in their bloodstream for many years. Up to 25% of those who remain infected will develop severe scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) or liver cancer after many years.
Eligibility for vaccine
As part of the School Based Vaccination Program, every Year 8 student in Queensland is being offered free hepatitis B vaccination through their school. The vaccine is given in two doses, four to six months apart.
A full course of hepatitis B vaccine provides long lasting protection against the disease and no booster doses are required.
What if my child has already had hepatitis B or has already been vaccinated?
If your child has already had hepatitis B or has already been vaccinated with a full course of vaccine (three doses), they do not need to be vaccinated.
It is important not to confuse hepatitis B vaccine with Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccination became part of the National Immunisation Program schedule for children born on or after 1 May 2000. Before that time, children were vaccinated against hepatitis B only if they were part of a special program or parents paid for a private prescription.
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 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.
What if my child had one dose of hepatitis B vaccine in the school program but didn't receive the second dose?
If your child received the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at school, you can take your child to your doctor before the end of the following year to receive their second dose.
If the course of two doses of hepatitis B vaccine (given four to six months apart) is not completed in this period, the remaining dose of vaccine will need to be purchased with a private prescription.
Other Resources
For further information, see the School Based Vaccination Program website
Contact the 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 factsheet
Last updated: 16th September, 2010
Review Date: 31st December, 2010
