School Vaccination for DE Students

Vaccination for students who are home schooled or enrolled in distance education.

NSW Health works in partnership with education authorities to offer the vaccines recommended under the National Immunisation Program for adolescents in a school vaccination program.

Year 7 and 10 students who are home schooled or enrolled in distance education are eligible for the following free age-appropriate vaccines.

Year 7 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (single dose)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (single dose)

Year 10 

• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (single dose)

Vaccines and why they are important

Year 7 vaccines

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

This vaccine is important as it protects against HPV-related cancers and illnesses that can affect everyone.

The vaccine is given to the Year 7 age group to maximise protection against infection before they are exposed to the virus

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), (dTpa) vaccine

This vaccine protects against 3 illnesses: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Students usually have a dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine prior to starting school at 4-5years of age.

The Year 7 dTpa vaccine dose is an adolescent booster. It is very important to boost protection as immunity wanes over time.

Year 10 vaccines

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine

This vaccine is important as it protects against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria, which cause serious disease that can quickly become life-threatening.

Where to get vaccinated

Adolescents can access free vaccine from their GP, pharmacist immuniser, Aboriginal medical service, or community health centre. It is important when making the appointment that parents/ guardians.

• inform the receptionist of the reason for their visit, and
• allow at least three working days for the vaccine to be ordered and delivered to the clinic.

More information about the NSW School Vaccination Program is available by visiting the NSW Health website or by contacting your local public health unit.

• Information on NSW School Vaccination Program: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx
• Contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055