Immunisations and vaccinations (including flu vaccine)

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. 

View 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 

Book an immunisation session   Update or cancel your booking

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 

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

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