Campaign urges parents to check teen immunisations

• Western Australian parents and guardians are encouraged to check their teenager's immunisation status
• Campaign to support the uptake of free, school-based vaccinations for year 7 and year 10 students
• Vaccination during adolescence plays a crucial role in protecting young people from serious and preventable diseases

Western Australian parents and guardians are being encouraged to ensure their teenagers are up to date with their vaccinations, as part of the latest Adolescent Immunisation Campaign.

The campaign - which will run from February to November this year - aims to support the uptake of free, school-based vaccinations for year 7 and year 10 students across the State.

Under the National Immunisation Program, students in year 7 are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis booster, while students in year 10 are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

The campaign urges parents and carers to complete online consent forms, which are required for school-based immunisation to occur.

It will run across digital, audio, and social media platforms, including digital displays during school terms and school-based resources.

Vaccination during adolescence plays an important role in protecting young people from serious and preventable diseases, including cancers caused by HPV, whooping cough, and life-threatening meningococcal disease.

Parents and guardians will receive information from schools ahead of scheduled vaccination visits and are encouraged to complete the online consent form.

For students who miss their school clinics, additional vaccination opportunities are available through participating pharmacies, general practitioners, community immunisation clinics, and Aboriginal Medical Services.

Ensuring adolescents are vaccinated at the recommended age helps protect their health now and into adulthood, while also supporting broader community protection.

For more information about adolescent vaccines and consent forms, visit HealthyWA.

It forms part of the Cook Government's commitment to keeping Western Australians well in the short and long-term.

Comments attributed to Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:

"Adolescent vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect young Western Australians from serious disease, both now and later in life.

"These free vaccines are offered at key stages of adolescence and provide long-term health benefits, including protection against several cancers.

"If a young person has missed a vaccine at school, catch-up options are available across the State, making it easy for families to ensure their teen is protected.

"I encourage parents and carers to take the time to check their teenager's immunisation status and seek advice from a trusted health provider or visit HealthyWA."

Comments attributed to Health Minister Meredith Hammat:

"Vaccination is a safe, effective way to protect young people and reduce serious illness across our community.

"This campaign is about ensuring Western Australians can access the healthcare they need, and that families across the State can benefit from free immunisation programs.

"By improving vaccination rates for young Western Australians, we're helping to keep our loved ones healthy, and ease the pressure on our health system."