Immunisation

Overview

Immunisation protects you and your children against harmful infections before you come into contact with them in the community – which is why our Maternal and Child Health Service provides immunisation and professional advice to you and your children, free of charge.

How does immunisation work?

Immunisation uses your body’s natural defense mechanism – the immune response – to build resistance to specific infections. This helps you and your children stay healthy against serious diseases.

Immunisations are given to you by our nurses, who are approved accredited immunisers in accordance with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 1995.

The Corangamite Shire Council conducts free immunisations for infants and school aged children as listed on the National Immunisation program Schedule.

Childhood Immunisation

Council conducts immunisation at Maternal and Child Health Centres throughout the municipality You are welcome to attend any centre by appointment, please telephone 1800 552 902 to arrange.

Maternal & Child Health Line (24 Hours) 132 229

• Bring your Medicare card and your child’s Health Record book to all clinics.
• Immunisation is also available by arrangement with your doctor, however a consultation fee may apply.
• All persons being immunised are requested to stay for a 15 minute observation period following vaccination.

Secondary school immunisation

Immunisation will be offered to secondary school students as listed on the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Students are eligible to receive these vaccines for free through a school-based immunisation program.

For more information check out immunehero.health.vic.gov.au an information hub dedicated to providing schools with a diverse range of credible immunisation resources.

Adult immunisation

All adult immunisations, including the adult influenza immunisation, are provided through the General Practitioner (GP) Services in the Shire or other Immunisation Providers.

No Jab No Pay | Victorian Government Legislation from 1 January 2016

In an effort to improve childhood immunisation rates, the Victorian Government has modified the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

What this means for your family: Early childhood education and care services cannot confirm enrolment of your child unless the parent or carer provides documentation showing that the child:

• is fully vaccinated for their age
• is on a recognised catch-up schedule if he or she has fallen behind with vaccinations
• is on a recognised catch-up schedule if he or she has come from overseas and has not fully met the National Immunisation Program requirements
• has a medical reason not to be vaccinated

Only parents of children (less than 20 years of age) who are fully immunised or are on a recognised catch-up schedule can receive the Child Care Benefit, the Child Care Rebate and the Family Tax Benefit Part A end of year supplement. The relevant vaccinations are those under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) which covers the vaccines usually administered before age five. These vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Children with medical contraindications or natural immunity for certain diseases will continue to be exempt from the requirement.

Conscientious objection and vaccination objection on non-medical grounds will no longer be a valid exemption from immunisation requirements.

Families eligible to receive family assistance payments and have children less than 20 years of age, who may not meet the new immunisation requirements, will be notified by Centrelink.

Immunisation Records

Persons under 20 years:

A Child History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) will be sent to you once your child has completed the four year old immunisation, however you can request a certificate at any time from the Australian Immunisation Register or from Medicare.

You should also contact AIR if you:

• are moving or have recently moved, to ensure your contact details are up to date
• think your child’s statement is incomplete or incorrect.
• if your child is not eligible for a Medicare card
• your child has never been vaccinated or was vaccinated overseas

Persons over 20 years:

The Corangamite Shire Council’s Immunisation Unit can provide records for individuals that have been immunised through its program.

Please fill out the form below to process an application of immunisation records

The Council is not able to provide records of immunisations given by Doctors or other providers.

Further information

If you require any further information regarding Council’s Immunisation Program please contact the Immunisation Officer on (03) 5593 7100 or email immunisation@corangamite.vic.gov.au

The Victorian Department of Health and the Australian Government produce publications and resources including some translated resources. Visit the Victorian Department of Health or Immunise Australia Program publications and resources.