Antonine College Year 7 immunisation

Year 7 vaccinations

Our immunisation nurses will visit Antonine College on Monday 20 October to give the diptheria tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) booster and the human papillomavirus HPV (Gardasil9) vaccines to the Year 7 students.

With your consent, your child will receive 2 injections. 1 for diptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) and 1 for the human papillomavirus (Gardasil9).

To give your yes or no consent for your child, please visit the online consent form.

Provide your consent here

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are diptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) diseases?

  Your child last had this vaccine at age 4. Protection declines over time so a booster is recommended for adolescents between 11 and 13 years to maintain their immunity into adulthood.

  Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria which is found in the mouth, throat and nose. Diphtheria causes a membrane to grow around the inside of the throat. This can make it difficult to swallow, breath and can even lead to suffocation. The bacteria can produce a poison that spreads around the body and cause serious complications such as paralysis and heart failure. 10% of people who contract diphtheria die from it. Diphtheria can be caught through coughs and sneezes from an infected person.

  Tetanus is caused by a bacteria which are present in soils, dust and nature. The bacteria can enter the body through wounds as small as a pin prick. Tetanus cannot be passed from person to person. Tetanus is an often fatal disease as it is attached to the nervous system. It causes muscle spasms first felt in the neck and jaw muscles. Tetanus can lead to breathing difficulties, painful convulsions, and abnormal heart rhythms.

  Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious disease which affects the air passages and breathing. The disease causes severe coughing spasms. Coughing spasms are often followed by vomiting and the cough can last several months. Whooping cough can be caught through coughs and sneezes from an infected person.

  The combination dTpa booster vaccine is safe and well tolerated in teenagers.

  For more information, visit the Better Health Channel website.

• What is human papillomavirus (HPV) disease?

  HPV is a very common virus in people of all genders. It is common to be infected with one or more types of HPV shortly after sexual activity starts. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and the body clears them within a year of infection. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and some cancers. These cancers include cervical cancer, cancers of the genital area and some cancers in the throat and mouth. This can effect people of all genders.

  This vaccine protects against 7 HPV types which cause over 90% of cervical cancer in people with a cervix and over 90% of HPV related cancers in people of all genders. It also protects against an extra 2 types of HPV that cause 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is most effective when given at an early age and before someone becomes sexually active. By vaccinating your child you are protecting them from infection by a cancer causing virus.

  For more information on the secondary school program, visit the Better Health Channel website.

• How do I provide consent?
  • Visit the booking link
  • Read and click “next”
  • Enter your mobile number
  • A one-time password will be sent to your mobile
  • Enter the password
  • Confirm your student’s school details and year level. Enter the class if you know it.
  • Enter your student’s details
  • Next to the name of the vaccine select EDIT
  • From the dropdown box select YES, granted or NO, denied
  • You will need to do this for each vaccine
  • Add your details
  • Add a message if required – leave it blank if this doesn’t apply
  • Review the information you’ve supplied, and press confirm
  • Record the confirmation code – you’ll need it if you want to log back in and change your consent. You will also receive a confirmation email with the code and consent details.
  • Call Merri-bek City Council immunisation on 92401111 and select 2, then 2 again for immunisation if you are having issues consenting and require assistance over the phone.
• Possible side effects of the vaccines

  Most side effects are minor and disappear quickly. They can be managed with extra fluids, taking paracetamol, and using a cold compress on the arm. If the following reactions occur, it will be soon after the vaccination.

  Common side effects:

  Mild temperature, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, pain, feeling unwell, redness & swelling at the injection site

  Fainting may occur up to 30 minutes after any vaccination.

  Extremely rare side effects:

  In the event of a severe allergic reaction, immediate medical attention will be given. If reactions are severe or persistent, or if you are worried, contact your doctor or hospital.

  For more information on the secondary school program, visitSecondary School Immunisation Program - Better Health Channel

• Does our child have to get vaccinated at school?

  If you prefer to have your child immunised elsewhere, you’re welcome to book them in to your doctor, your local council or at Merri-bek City Council. The vaccine is free of charge for this age group. You must still make a NO response through the school portal. Appointments for our community sessions can be made here Immunisation (merri-bek.vic.gov.au) It’s helpful to let your student know that they won’t have the vaccine at school if you are booking elsewhere.

Information about the Year 7 vaccines in your language

Download the Year 7 School-based immunisation program - information for parents PDF in your language from the Victorian Government's Health Translations website.

More information about Year 7 immunisation

If you need more information about Year 7 immunisation, please contact our Immunisation team. You can email them at Immunisation@merri-bek.vic.gov.au, or call them on 9240 1111 (select option 2, then select option 1).