Topic: School Based Vaccination Program - the vaccines
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 vaccines.
Practical Advice
How is the vaccine given?
All vaccinations are given as injections in the upper arm.
Should I give my child a dose of paracetamol before going to school on the day of vaccination?
No. This is not necessary. The routine use of paracetamol is no longer recommended before vaccination, due to the use of improved vaccines with fewer side effects.
It is recommended that children eat breakfast on the day of vaccination.
How should I care for my child after vaccination?
Although side effects are not common, you may find the following suggestions useful.
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice. In the case of emergency, dial 000.
- Contact the immunisation provider if your child has a reaction following the vaccination.
Are there more side effects from giving more than one vaccine at the same time? For example, if hepatitis B vaccine is given at the same time as HPV vaccine?
No. Parents can be reassured that having more than one vaccine at the same time is unlikely to increase the risk of side effects when they are given at the same visit, and that giving a number of vaccines at the same visit does not "overload" the immune system.
Whether more than one vaccine is given at the same visit will be up to the service provider and how they schedule their visits to the school.
What should I do if my child has a reaction following vaccination?
You should report the reaction to the immunisation provider who gave your child the vaccination, eg. the school program provider or your doctor.
You should also note the reaction on the pre-vaccination checklist on the consent form for any other vaccinations your child may be offered through the school program.
All medicines and vaccines used in Australia are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) which assesses vaccine safety.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
School Based Vaccination Program – the school clinic
School Based Vaccination Program – eligibility
School Based Vaccination Program – missed vaccinations
Last updated: 14th September, 2010
Review Date: 31st December, 2010
