Released 01/01/2018
Canberra teens are rolling up their sleeves to protect themselves and the community from infectious preventable illnesses as part of the ACT Government’s High School Immunisation Program.
ACT public health services have worked in partnership with local schools to provide free vaccinations to ACT students since 1998, in line with the National Immunisation Program.
Year 7 students are offered vaccines to protect them against human papillomavirus (HPV), diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), while Year 10 students are eligible for the free meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
The ACT recorded the highest vaccination rates among adolescents turning 18 years in 2023 at 79.9%, up from 71% in 2021, in the latest report from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.
Minister for Education Yvette Berry said the program supports student health and wellbeing beyond the classroom.
“The ACT’s high vaccination rates reflect the strong collaboration between schools, health services and families,” Minister Berry said.
“The High School Immunisation Program makes it easier for parents to ensure their children are protected. By providing this service in a school environment, we remove barriers and make it simple for students to stay up to date with their vaccinations.”
The program is delivered by the Canberra Health Services’ Child and Adolescent Immunisation Team, which visits all government and non-government high schools in the ACT to administer the vaccines.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said this year’s program continued to play an important role in safeguarding public health.
“Canberra teens are truly top-of-class when it comes to looking after their health, and that of their fellow students, families and friends,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Vaccines are the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your family from preventable infectious diseases. High immunisation rates not only protect individuals but also help to prevent the spread of serious illnesses in the community.
“We understand the vaccination process can be daunting for some young people, so providing vaccinations in a familiar and supportive school environment helps to ease that anxiety.”
For more information about the High School Immunisation Program visit www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/high-school-immunisation-program.
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Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases