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Senior students to be protected against meningococcalHigh school students in Bass Coast are doing their bit for the community by getting the free meningococcal vaccine. By Portal Admin - 25th August 2017 - Back to News To combat a recent rise in cases of deadly strains of meningococcal disease, the Victorian Government has introduced a free, time-limited vaccination program for young people aged 15 to 19 in Victoria.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s immunisation nurses are rolling out the vaccine to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 at local secondary schools.
Students at Wonthaggi Secondary College, Bass Coast Specialist School and Newhaven College will be offered the free vaccine in the coming weeks, before the program ends on 31 December.
To receive the vaccine at secondary school, 15, 16 and 17 year olds need consent from a parent or guardian, while 18 and 19 year olds can provide their own consent.
Parents or guardians must complete and return the consent card that eligible young people bring home from school.
Bass Coast Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said local young people are mostly welcoming of immunisation initiatives in spite of the "needle factor".
"The more young people and their parents take up the offer to protect themselves, the more effectively we will be able to halt the spread of this very serious disease," C Tessari said.
There were 48 cases of the previously rare ‘W’ strain in 2016, up from just one in 2013. Cases of the ‘Y’ strain are also increasing. Young people receiving the meningococcal vaccine will be protected against the ‘W’ strain of the disease, as well as three other strains (‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘Y’).
Fifteen to 19 year olds are the most common aged group to carry meningococcal disease.
Although uncommon, meningococcal disease can become life-threatening very quickly. After initial flu-like symptoms, which can include sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, nausea vomiting or mental confusion, a rash of red or purple pinprick spots or larger bruises can appear.
If somebody close to you experiences these signs and symptoms, and seems sicker than you would expect with a normal infection, seek medical help immediately.
Survivors often lose fingers, toes or limbs. Invasive meningococcal disease causes death in about five to 10 per cent of cases.
The vaccine is safe and effective and free until 31 December 2017 at scheduled school vaccination days, Council immunisation sessions or from local GPs.
For health advice call NURSE-ON- CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 in an emergency.
For more information about local immunisation initiatives, contact Council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.
To find out more about meningococcal disease or the free vaccine program, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/menvax.
Vaccine programs will be held in schools on:
Tuesday, 5 September – Newhaven College Boys Home Road Campus
Thursday, 7 September – Bass Coast Specialist School
Thursday, 21 September – Wonthaggi McBride Campus
For more information contact:
Simone Short
media communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 804 187
e simone.short@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Join Council's Walk Against Family Violence on 26 November in Leongatha. Wear orange, take part in the Respect photo pop-up, and support the 16 Days of Activism campaign. - Baw Baw Shire Council releases 2024/25 Annual Report highlighting growth, major projects and community achievements
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report highlights population growth, major projects, community grants, infrastructure upgrades, and continued focus on sustainable, connected, and thriving local communities. - Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra. - Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support. - Rising dog attacks concerns in East Gippsland highlight the need for responsible ownership and community safety
East Gippsland has seen over 140 dog attacks last year, 31 this year. Council urges responsible ownership, leashing, and secure confinement to keep pets, people, and public spaces safe. - Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future. - East Gippsland community satisfaction survey shows improved council performance while highlighting priorities for future service delivery
East Gippsland Shire Council's 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey shows improved performance, with residents highlighting strengths while identifying roads, infrastructure, engagement and advocacy as key priorities for continued improvement. - Youth advocates for Baw Baw ( YABBies ) offer school holidays fun with free creative, active events for Baw Baw Youth on April 2026
Baw Baw’s YABBies are hosting free April school holiday events, including sushi making, painting, and skatepark activities, offering safe, fun, and engaging opportunities for youth aged 12–17 to connect and learn. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Coastal Promontory Ward Councillors drop-in at Meeniyan Community Hub back to back with Tarwin Valley Councillors business visit at Leongatha CBD on 22 July 2026
Councillors will host a Meeniyan community drop-in and visit Leongatha businesses on 22 July to hear local ideas, concerns and feedback for Council's Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy. - Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities.
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