By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM Council is reminding parents to give their children the best chance of staying healthy by taking part in a free vaccination program.
All Year 7 students will be offered the Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine this year as part of the National Immunisation Program schedule.
Year 9 boys will be eligible for a catch-up course of the vaccine this year and next year.
A common virus in men and women, HPV is transmitted through sexual activity.
Cr Marie Brittan said vaccination was important and helped to prevent many diseases.
“Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and are cleared from the body in less than a year without the person knowing they were infected,” Cr Brittan said.
“Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and some cancers. These cancers include cervical cancer in women, cancers of the genital area in both men and women and some cancers of the mouth and throat.
“In 2013, Year 7 boys and girls will be offered HPV and chickenpox vaccines, year 9 boys will be offered HPV vaccine and year 10 boys and girls will be offered a diphtheria/tetanus and whooping cough vaccine.
“Wyndham City urges parents to ensure their secondary school aged children receive the appropriate vaccinations as they are just as important as they given to babies and young children.”
Immunisation sessions will be held throughout the year at the Wyndham Civic Centre and various locations across Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Tarneit, Truganina and Wyndham Vale.
For more information or session times phone Wyndham Council’s Environmental Health Unit on 9742 0777 or visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
