VACCINATIONS - A MESSAGE FROM DEPARTMENT

Message for students aged 12 years and older.

As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, everyone aged 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Victorians aged 12 and older are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, Commonwealth vaccination centre, participating GP clinics, pharmacies or community health services. COVID-19 vaccines are an essential protection against serious illness.

Vaccination is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged, except where your medical practitioner advises you otherwise. You and your parents/guardians or carers should speak with your GP or pharmacist if you have health questions.

The Victorian Government’s aim is to provide an opportunity for all students aged 12 years and over to receive at least one vaccine dose by the end of the school year. Please discuss your vaccination with your parent/guardian or carer and with your teachers to plan your absence and minimise disruption to your learning if your vaccination appointment is during school hours.

Consent: You can book your own vaccination appointment and you may be able to consent to vaccination yourself if the health professional assesses you to be a mature minor. This means that the health professional assesses that you understand the information relevant to your decision to be vaccinated and the effect of that decision. Your parent/carer can also complete a consent from for COVID-19 vaccination for you to bring to your appointment, or they can attend with you to provide consent in person.