Parents of Western Australia’s high school students are reminded to provide consent for their children to receive important immunisations as they head into the new school year.
WA Health’s school-based immunisation program is offered to students starting Year 7 and Year 10 every year.
The Department’s Senior Medical Advisor, Dr Paul Effler, said the program offered a safe, convenient way to access immunisations.
“Our immunisation clinics are conducted by WA Health nurses across WA high schools,” he said.
“The vaccinations provide students with protection against serious, vaccine-preventable illnesses – including life-threatening meningococcal disease, whooping cough, and cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.”
“I urge all parents to take a few minutes to complete the consent form before school starts.”
Parents and guardians can visit the HealthyWA (external site) website for the link to register their online consent for this year’s school immunisations.
Students in Year 7 will be offered routine immunisation against HPV and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, while Year 10 students can be immunised against meningococcal ACWY.
Adolescents and young adults are one of the age groups most at risk of invasive meningococcal disease which can cause permanent disability or death.
Dr Effler said high vaccination coverage achieved by the school immunisation program helped to create ‘herd immunity’.
“High vaccination coverage can reduce the likelihood of these serious infections spreading in the community – providing indirect protection those whose immune systems are suppressed or people who may be unable to be vaccinated due to a medical reason.”
For the link to register online or for further information about school-based immunisations, visit HealthyWA (external site).
ENDS
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