Immunisations and vaccinations (including flu vaccine)
Key points
- We provide free public immunisation sessions for adults and infants for all immunisations that are part of the National Immunisation Program. To see which vaccinations are part of this program go to the Victorian Government Department of Health website
- Please note: If you're not eligible for the vaccine as stated on the Department of Health website, then you cannot attend our service. Please make a booking with your local GP or pharmacy.
- Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children and adults against many diseases. The risks of contracting these diseases are greater than the very small risks associated with immunisation.
- Our immunisation sessions are held regularly at various locations across Cardinia Shire - view locations and times for immunisation sessions here. Note: Immunisation sessions previously held at Henry Family Childrens Centre in Pakenham have moved to James Bathe Community Hub (67 Caversham Drive, Pakenham). Sessions will be held on the first Monday of the month between 4:30pm-6:30pm
- While walk-ins will still be accepted, we recommend booking your session as it reduces wait times for everyone.
View info on the flu vaccine View COVID-19 vaccine info - Victorian Government website Book an immunisation session or update your booking Session times and locations
Vaccines provided through our sessions
In Victoria, a routine vaccine schedule is provided free of charge to:
- children
- adolescents
- adults at increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease.
These vaccines are funded via the National Immunisation Program and the Victorian-funded immunisation program. To view the immunisation schedule (that is, which vaccines need to be given at each age) visit the Department of Health website
Flu vaccinations
People eligible for the free flu vaccine through Council's immunisation program:
- People aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- People aged 65 years and older
- People aged 6 months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications, including:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- chronic neurological conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- renal disease
- haematological disorders
- children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy.
Children under 9 years receiving their influenza vaccination for the first time require 2 doses of vaccine, spaced by a minimum of one month.
Visit the Better Health website (Victorian Government) for information on influenza ('the flu') including:
- the flu vaccine
- symptoms and diagnosis
- difference between the flu and COVID-19
- what to do if you get the flu
Immunisation sessions – dates and times
Our immunisation sessions provide free flu vaccinations to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
Walk-ins are accepted for immunisatoin sessions, although we recommend booking a session to reduce your likely wait time.
Immunisation sessions
Check the session details on our immunisation schedule.
Important information about attending immunisation sessions
What to bring to your immunisation session:
- Your Child Health Record Book – Immunisation records which will enable quick access to all your child’s details
- Medicare card
- Your child’s comfort device or special toy (if needed)
Following all vaccinations, we recommended you wait for 15 minutes before leaving, just to check for possible reactions.
If your child has been ill, please seek advice from your family doctor about whether it is appropriate for them to attend an immunisation session.
Your child’s immunisation records will be forwarded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This data base is used to process school entry immunisation records and family allowance relating to immunisation.
Book/update your immunisation session
To book an immunisation session go to the Department of Health's CIRV Portal
First-time users will need to sign up before booking a vaccination date.
By using the portal, you understand that Council only uses the personal information provided by you for the purposes for which it was collected and any other authorised use. More info: Council's privacy information
Secondary school immunisations
Our Immunisation team visit all Cardinia Shire secondary schools to immunise Year 7 students and Year 10 students.
Funded vaccines are provided in line with the National Immunisation Program
Parents and guardians must return a completed immunisation consent card for their child’s school, whether or not they give consent.
If your child misses a school immunisation session, email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or call 1300 787 624 to access this immunisation.
More info: Better Health Victoria website - Immunisation in secondary schools
Catch up session
We are running secondary school catch-up immunisation sessions for year 7 and 10 students who may have missed out on their vaccines.
When: Saturday 26 October 2024
Time: Bookings are available from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Where: Bunjil Place
How to show that your child's had their immunisations
- All children enrolling at an early childhood education facility or care service must have an immunisation status certificate. This shows all the vaccinations your child has received. More info: No Jab, No Play
- This certificate will be mailed to you after your child gets their final immunisation boosters at 4 years.
- You can also get your immunisation history statement straight away using either:
- your Medicare online account through myGov
the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- your Medicare online account through myGov
You can also call the Australian Immunisation Register and ask them to send your immunisation history statement to you.
More info: Australian Government - How to get an immunisation history statement
What to do if immunisations are not up to date
- If your child’s immunisations are not up to date (according to the Victorian immunisation schedule), contact your GP, who will help you work out a catch-up program. You can also contact us if you have questions about a catch-up schedule.
- Please make sure you have a catch-up program in place before you attend one of our immunisation sessions.
Questions?
Contact our Environmental Health team
Ph: 1300 787 624
Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au