If you home school your children, the recommended vaccines offered in the school program are also available free in the age equivalent school year. For example, if your child would have been in Year 8 at school in 2009, they are eligible for free chickenpox and hepatitis B vaccine during 2009. If your child would have been in Year 10 at school in 2008, they are eligible for free diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine during 2008.
Free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is also available for young women aged 13 to 26 years who are not at school. For females aged 18-26 years and girls not attending school, free vaccine is available from your doctor or other immunisation provider. The program finishes on 30 June 2009, so to be eligible for free vaccine, all females in the above age groups must have started the course with their first dose of the vaccine on or before 30 June 2009, and complete all 3 doses by 31 December 2009.
You can have your children vaccinated by your local doctor or other immunisation provider. Check if the local council or community health centre provides immunisation services. Be aware that you may have to pay a consultation fee if you take your child to your doctor.
If you plan to take your child to your doctor, you will need to advise the practice reception what immunisation you need when you call for an appointment. This allows the practice time to order vaccine.
For further information contact your Area School Based Vaccination Program Coordinator.
Other languages