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Focus On Teenager HealthBass Coast high school students should be a pretty healthy bunch, if Council’s Immunisation team has their way. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 2nd November 2007 - Back to News For many parents, the focus of immunisation is on young children. But making sure immunisations are up-to-date for teenagers is equally important.
"Teenagers face a higher risk than young children of contracting severe Chicken Pox and Hepatitis B, for which there is no cure," said Council’s Environmental Health Officer, Carl Gheller.
"Running sessions through the high schools means the students can be immunised in a safely monitored location.
"And it’s also a big help to parents."
This collaborative effort between schools and councils means a high proportion of teenagers are fully immunised.
"The benefits of this are not just for teenagers," explained Mr Gheller.
"An effective Immunisation Program can reduce the incidence and spread of diseases throughout the whole community."
The Immunisation Schedule, recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council, is designed to protect teenagers against the most prevalent threats. These include Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, Diphtheria and Tetanus.
"This year we have also commenced the rollout of the Gardasil program to protect teenage girls against cervical cancer," said Mr Gheller.
"This is a federally funded program that involves three separate immunisations over a six month period for each girl.
"It has been a challenge to work these sessions in and around school holidays and end-of-year exams."
Mr Gheller urged parents to make sure their children’s immunisation was up-to-date.
"If your child falls behind with their immunisations, you can look at a ‘catch up’ program," advised Mr Gheller.
"To find out what needs to be done, talk to your local GP, or contact Council’s Immunisation team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278)."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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