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Vaccination Change

Children aged 18 months no longer require an immunisation dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTPa) vaccine.

By Wellington Shire Council - 13th October 2003 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council has been advised by the Department of Human Services that children no longer require a dose of the DTPa vaccine at 18 months for effective vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

The change has been made according to the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule (ASVS).

Clinical studies have shown that doses at two, four and six months with a booster at four years of age is enough to protect children.

Council’s Environmental Health Officer Dani Hasthorpe said the changes were implemented across Australia by the National Health and Medical Research Council from the 22 September 2003.

"Arrangements for Child Care Benefit and Maternity Immunisation Allowance will not change," she said.

"Parents can still claim the Maternity Immunisation Allowance after their child turns 18 months of age, if the child is up-to-date for the 12 month vaccinations."

Ms Hasthorpe said 18-month-old children are eligible for the Meningococcal C vaccine if they have not previously received a dose.

Wellington Shire Council offers free monthly immunisation sessions for eligible infants and adults across the Shire.

In the past financial year the immunisation program has boasted a coverage rate of 92% with a total of 3016 immunisations.

This was a substantial increase on the previous year of 1017, due primarily to the mass immunisation of all year 10, 11 and 12 students against Meningococcal disease.

The immunisation Service Schedule for the remainder of 2003 is:

Yarram - first Wednesday of the month, 10.30am - 11.00am
Wellington Shire Office - 156 Grant Street, Yarram

Heyfield - second Tuesday of the month , 11.00am – 11.30am
Community Resource Centre - 5 George Street, Heyfield

Sale - second Wednesday of the month, 11.00am – 11.45am
Wellington Shire Council - 70 Foster Street (Wellington Room)

Maffra - second Tuesday of the month, 2.00pm - 2.30pm
Maffra Memorial Hall – corner Foster and Johnson Streets

For more information regarding Council’s immunisation program contact the Environmental Department on 51423410 or log onto www.wellington.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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