Immunisation Information

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children and adults against certain diseases. The risk of these diseases are far greater than the very small risks of immunisation.

The City of Ballarat Immunisation Service provides a number of immunisation programs throughout the Ballarat Region in accordance with the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedules which can be viewed at National Immunisation Program Schedule for Victoria (DHS website).

Childhood Immunisations

FREE immunisations are offered for babies and children (0 - 7 years), as well as several vaccinations that are not free but are recommended. For further information see the Immunisation Life Schedule, Vaccines and Costs.

Changes to immunisation program

As of 1 July 2006, Maternal and Child Health Nurses are able to provide immunisations to babies and children at the Maternal and Child Health Centres during routine visits. Appointments are necessary and can be made by phoning your local centre.

Open Public Immunisation Sessions

Public immunisation sessions are conduced on a regular basis for children and adults. No appointments are necessary. To view locations, dates and times see Immunisation Calendar and Locations. Alternative arrangements can be made for families if they are unable to attend the immunisation sessions or Maternal and Child Health Centres.

School Immunisation Program

Our immunisation team provides FREE immunisation according to the Federal Government's National Immunisation Program to all schools within the municipality.

The 2007 recommended vaccines for secondary school students are as follows:

 

School year Type of vaccination Year 7 Hepatitis B a two dose course of hepatitis B vaccine given six months apart. Chickenpox (Varicella) starting this year, all Year 7 students will be offered the chicken pox vaccine. Those students who have had the disease or a chickenpox vaccine in the past, do not require this vaccination. Year 10 Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertusis (whooping cough). All vaccinations are done at the school.     The Gardasil Vaccine (Cervical Cancer Vaccine) will be given to girls in Years 7,10, 11 & 12 in 2007 with a catch up program in 2008. This is a three course dose. If your child is away on the day, he or she can attend an open public immunisation session (see above) or visit their doctor. Workplace Immunisation Program Our Immunisation Service is available to provide a number of vaccinations to businesses on site. An influenza program is conducted in the months of March to May each year and the service offers Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations for those staff at risk. For more details or information on the Immunisation Program phone 03 5320 5850. School Entry Immunisation Certificate When enrolling your child in school, a school-entry immunisation certificate is required. This certificate records if your child's immunisations are up to date. Once your child has been fully immunised, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register will automatically send you a statement by post, which can then be used as a school entry certificate. If for some reason you child's immunisation records are incomplete, missing or your child has never been vaccinated, please contact the Immunisation Coordinator who will be able to assist you in obtaining a School Entry Immunisation Certificate. For further information contact the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809, or the Immunisation Coordinator by phone 03 5320 5850, or email daniellesteele@ballarat.vic.gov.au. Contact Details For further information please contact the Immunisation Coordinator by phone 03 5320 5850 or email suevanstyn@ballarat.vic.gov.au