Topic: School Based Vaccination Program - Varicella (chickenpox) 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 varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for Year 8 students.
Practical Advice
Varicella (or chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While chickenpox is usually a mild disease in healthy children, life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) are possible. It can be fatal in about three in 100,000 cases. If a pregnant woman has chickenpox there is also a small chance of damage to the unborn baby. Chickenpox can also lead to shingles (herpes zoster) in later life.
Eligibility for vaccine
As part of the School Based Vaccination Program, every Year 8 student in Queensland is being offered a free chickenpox vaccination vaccination through their school. This is part of the National Immunisation Program.
Vaccine is also free for adolescents not at school who would normally be in Year 8.
What if my child has already had chickenpox or has been vaccinated?
If your child has already had chickenpox or has been vaccinated, they are immune to the disease and do not need to be vaccinated.
What about Year 8 students who are over 14 years of age?
Students aged 14 years or older require two injections, given one to two months apart. Fourteen year old students who receive their first vaccine as part of the School Based Vaccination Program are eligible to receive their second free vaccine from their doctor or school service provider while still in Year 8. Please be aware there may be a consultation fee if you take your child to your doctor.
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.
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.
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
Communicable Diseases factsheet - Chickenpox
Last updated: 14th September, 2010
Review Date: 31st December, 2010
