Year 7 student vaccinations

Year 7 students are offered free vaccines at their school that will protect them against 4 diseases.

Find out more about these diseases and vaccines on the Australian Government Department of Health website.

• human papillomavirus (HPV) – from February 2023 a single dose is required, and the catch-up program is extended to 25 years of age
• diphtheria
• tetanus
• whooping cough (pertussis)

The Canberra Health Services’ Child and Adolescent Immunisation Team visit Year 7 students during the school year.

Consent

Parent or guardian consent is needed for Year 7 school vaccinations. The consent card gets sent out at the start of Term 1.

Find, sign and return it to school even if you don’t consent for your teen to receive these vaccines at school.

Read the information on the consent card carefully before you sign.

If you don't consent

You should still complete and return the consent card.

If you can't find the card

You should:

• ask your school for another consent card
• or download the Year 7 consent card [PDF 4.3 MB].

Printing the card

If you are printing the consent card, print it on both sides of one piece of paper and give this to your school, rather than scanning it.

Withdrawing consent

You can withdraw consent at any time. Call the Child and Adolescent Immunisation Team on 02 5124 1585 to speak to a registered nurse to withdraw your consent to the school program.

If your child misses vaccines at school

If you have signed and returned a consent card but your child was not vaccinated, the Child and Adolescent Immunisation Team will send you a letter through My Digital Health record or post after they have visited your child’s school.

The funded vaccine is available from your family doctor or participating pharmacy. A consultation fee may apply.

Home-schooled children

Children who are home-schooled can access the funded vaccines through their family doctor or participating pharmacies. A consultation fee may apply.

More information

Go to the Canberra Health Services to find out more about:

• why you should vaccinate your child
• vaccine safety
• catch up vaccines
• your child's vaccination history
• preparing a nervous or anxious child
• getting a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.