School Immunisation

Students attending schools in the South Burnett Region are eligible for immunisation through the School Based Vaccination Program. Vaccines are provided in accordance with Queensland Health recommendations.

High schools students are offered the following vaccines: 

Year	Disease	Students eligible
Eight (8)	Hepatitis B	Males and Females
	Varicella (Chicken pox)	Males and Females
	Human Papillomavirus (Cervical Cancer Vaccine)	Males and Females
Ten (10)	Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough), Diphtheria Human Papillomavirus (Cervical Cancer Vaccine)	Males and Females Catch up for Male students

 

Detailed information and Consent forms for these vaccines are distributed through the schools prior to the commencement of the program.

Human Papillomavirus (Cervical Cancer vaccine)

HPV is a common virus that affects both males and females, passed from person to person through sexual contact.  Although HPV infection is best know for causing cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine has benefits for males too, protecting them against developing a range of cancers and disease, inlcuding genital warts.

 

HPV vaccine is a three dose course given over a period of 6 months.

 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is one form of hepatitis which is caused by a virus. It is one of the most serious types of hepatitis disease. 

 

Hepatitis B vaccine is a two dose course given 4 to 6 months apart.

 

Hepatitis B has been part of the National Immunisation Schedule for babies since 2000 and vaccination for school students will be discontinued in 2014.

 

Chicken Pox

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 are possible. 

 

Chicken pox vaccine is a single dose vaccine.

 

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Children usually receive vaccination against diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough at pre-school age. A booster is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council for 15 year olds to ensure they continue to have immunity against these diseases.

 

The dTpa vaccine is a single dose vaccine.

 

Catch up Clinics

After each School Based Immunisation Clinic, South Burnett Regional Council holds a "Catch Up" Clinic.  This clinic is held approx. 2 weeks after the original clinic and is for students who are unable to attend the School Clinic.