Bookings for COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 are now available at various locations across Gippsland, including at participating general practices (GPs), pharmacies and state-run community vaccination centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commencement of this vaccination program provides an opportunity for all children aged 5 to 11 to receive at least one vaccine dose before they return to school, and their second dose before the end of Term 1 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vaccination is not mandatory to attend school, but it is highly encouraged to keep all children and their families safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For information about BRHS’ COVID vaccination and testing clinic at Lucknow Memorial Hall, visit brhs.com.au\/Coronavirus<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) has put together some common questions and answers that may help in preparing for a child\u2019s immunisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Victoria’s community vaccination centres are ready to deliver these vaccines. Online bookings are made at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au\/book-your-vaccine-appointment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n People can also make an appointment by calling 1800 675 398 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note: To book online, you will need to register an account for your child using an email address that is not already registered on the system. This could be a new or alternative email address used by you or your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What vaccine will my child receive?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Children aged 5-11 will be eligible to receive the Cominarty (Pfizer) COVID vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will involve two doses given eight weeks apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dose that will be given to children in this age group is a smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine that is given to adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What if my child will turn 12 before the second dose is due?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child is under 12 years of age at their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination they will receive the paediatric dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they turn 12 prior to the administration of the second dose then they will receive the adult dose for this second vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for my child?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most children who contract COVID-19 have mild symptoms only. A small proportion of children can develop more serious symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This risk of more serious disease is greater in children with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, neurological disease, obesity and immune-compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Occasionally, children with no underlying medical conditions can become seriously unwell with COVID-19 infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in preventing serious illness from the infection in children in this age group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccination will help to reduce the risk of your child getting sick from COVID-19 and therefore also reduce the risk of interruption to their normal lives in terms of absence from school and other associated activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccination will also help to reduce the risk of your child transmitting the virus to others, including family members who may be more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the risks of vaccination for my child?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Common side effects are similar to those experienced with any childhood vaccinations andinclude pain and redness at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, fevers and chills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Less commonly, children may experience joint pains, muscle pains and vomiting. These side effects are generally mild and only last 1-2 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss vaccination for your child should you have any further questions or concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What to bring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For information on what to bring to a vaccine appointment please visit: <\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au\/checklist-your-covid-19-vaccination#what-to-bring-with-you-to-your-vaccine-appointment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Support for students with disability or special requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is extra support for students with disabilities and specialist requirements to access COVID-19 vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents of children with disability who need extra assistance to access a vaccination shouldcontact specialist Disability Liaison Officers who can help make the process easier at: <\/strong>www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au\/vaccination-information-people-disability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAnswers to questions you may have:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When will COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5-11 be available?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n