School-based immunisation program
Free recommended vaccines for students in years 7 and 10 to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases
From 6 February 2023, adolescents aged 12-13 years will only need one dose of the same (Gardasil®9) human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated.
This change follows the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice that one dose gives excellent protection that is comparable to protection from two doses. |
- Parents, guardians and adolescents can consent for vaccinations via VaccinateWA (external site) (otherwise you can request a hard copy form from school).
- During the term, you can contact your child's school to find out when the program will be delivered.
- COVID-19 vaccination will also be offered to students aged 12–18 in some metropolitan high schools.
- If your child misses their vaccine at school, visit your immunisation provider (the vaccine is free, but consultation fees may apply).
Important information to read before giving consent
Consent
Consent must be provided by a parent or guardian for their child/ren to receive vaccinations at school.
You are encouraged to provide consent online via VaccinateWA (external site).
*If you're not able to access the online system, you can request a hard copy form from school or print a copy of the school-based immunisation program consent form (PDF 953KB). Note: Details from the paper form will be entered into the VaccinateWA system by school nurses so parents may receive emails from VaccinateWA.
Instructions for consenting online via VaccinateWA
Watch the video below about how to link a dependant (your child) to your VaccinateWA account and register them for a vaccination plan or follow the instructions below.
- Log in to your VaccinateWA (external site) account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one first (external site).
- From your homepage, click ‘Add or manage dependants’.
- Click ‘Register dependant’ to create a new account for your child.
- The ‘My contact details’ screen will be displayed. Fill in details for your child.
- Your child’s (dependant’s) VaccinateWA homepage will be displayed. This will include all the vaccination programs they are eligible for. Select the relevant school-based immunisation program.
- Your child’s dashboard for that vaccination program will be displayed, follow the 3 steps below to complete registration.
- Complete Step 1: ‘About me’, which requires you to enter the school name and year group.
- Complete Step 2: ‘Health Questionnaire’.
- Complete Step 3: ‘Consent’. This step will outline the details of the vaccines you consent to your child receiving. Once you have selected your option, click ‘Submit’.
For queries about using VaccinateWA please email SBIP@health.wa.gov.au or call 6376 0550.
After immunisation
Following vaccination, students will receive:
- a record of vaccine(s) received
- instructions about care after vaccination.
Vaccines administered through the school-based immunisation program are recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
When a vaccine is missed at school (catch-up)
Catch-up is for young people who missed out on their vaccinations when they were first eligible. All eligible individuals are recommended to receive the catch-up vaccine as soon as possible to be protected.
If they missed their vaccination at school, they can receive a catch-up vaccine from another immunisation provider such as at community immunisation clinics, or at participating GPs, pharmacies or Aboriginal Medical Services (the vaccine is free, but consultation fees may apply). Consult your immunisation provider for more information.
Healthy young people aged up to 20 years old can catch-up if they have not previously received the dTpa or MenACWY vaccines.
Healthy young people who receive a single HPV dose before 26 years of age are now considered fully vaccinated and will not need further doses, with some exceptions.
Home-schooled students
Young people not attending school who are in years 7 or 10 are still eligible for these vaccines.
Please see above 'When a vaccine is missed at school'.
Translated information
Information about vaccinations are available in the below community languages.
If you are seeking additional languages or formats, please email immunisation@health.wa.gov.au
| Year 7 information for parents |
Year 7 vaccine information |
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Where to get help
For queries about using VaccinateWA please email SBIP@health.wa.gov.au or call 6376 0550.
Find the contact details for your area below:
Last reviewed: 06-02-2023
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.