Immunisation on back to school list
Parents of Scenic Rim secondary school students are being urged to make immunisation a priority and take advantage of Council's free program to protect their children and the community against potentially fatal diseases.
Mayor Greg Christensen said that, as the school year began, each of the Scenic Rim's six secondary schools would distribute immunisation consent forms to eligible students in Years 7 and 10 for parents to complete and return.
"The School Immunisation Program, with a team of registered nurses conducting immunisation clinics at public and private secondary schools, is a vital part of Council's role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our region's communities," he said.
"Having travelled widely in less developed countries and seen some of the ongoing impacts on children's health from diseases which could have been prevented by vaccines, I am a passionate believer in immunisation programs.
"This is not just about the wellbeing of future generations but also peace of mind for parents, families and the wider community."
In 2019, all Year 7 students will be offered two free doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and one free dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough) in line with the National Immunisation Program Schedule.
All year 10 students will again be offered one free dose of the vaccine against the Meningococcal A,C,W and Y strains as recommended by the National Immunisation Schedule.
"Sadly, each year - despite the ready availability of free vaccines - we still hear of babies who die after contracting whooping cough and many older members of our communities will remember outbreaks of polio and its crippling effects in an era before immunisation was available," Cr Christensen said.
"While meningococcal disease is rare, it can cause death within 24 hours or profound and permanent disability including brain damage or the loss of limbs and the Human Papillomavirus is known for causing a range of cancers."
Scenic Rim's School Immunisation Program is run under an agreement between Council and Queensland Health's Metro South Hospital and Health Services.
Immunisation forms will soon be distributed to students at Tamborine Mountain State High School, Tamborine Mountain College, Beaudesert State High School, McAuley College, Boonah State High School and The Kooralbyn International School.
"I urge everyone with children to read the information carefully, then complete, sign and return the consent form to your school's administration office as soon as possible," Cr Christensen said.
"If you have any concerns, talk to your medical practitioner."