News

Year 10,11 and 12 students are able to participate in the 'B Part of It Study'. Immunisations will be held at Tenison Woods College on Tuesday 11 April and Wednesday 7 June.

The licensed meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero®) is being offered to all Year 10,11 and 12 students in 2017 at our school by South East Regional Community Health Services as part of The South Australian 'B Part of it' Meningococcal B Vaccine Herd Immunity Study.

During 2017-2018 each participant will:

• Receive 2 doses of Meningococcal B (Bexsero®) vaccine
• Complete 2 single page questionnaires (1 if student is in Year 12)
• Have 2 throat swabs taken (1 if student is in year 12)
• Receive a $20 iTunes card after having each throat swab
• Immunisation consent packs have been sent home to all eligible students
• It is important that you read the information contained in the pack before you provide consent for your child to take part in the study.  
• The student is also required to provide their consent to participate in the study by signing and dating the consent form.

The vaccine is licensed in Australia and recommended for use in adolescents and toddlers.

• The Meningococcal B vaccine is also licensed in Europe, Canada and the USA where is it being used to protect children against meningococcal B disease.  
• Up to 25% of adolescents carry the meningococcal bacteria in their throat. While this may not cause illness to themselves, the adolescent has the potential to spread the bacteria which may cause disease in others.
• The study aims to determine whether the Meningococcal B vaccine has the additional benefit of preventing the spread of the meningococcus bacteria from person to person.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact South East Regional Community Health Services or the Immunisation Section, SA Health, Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm on 1300 232 272.

All parents/legal guardians are requested to complete, sign, date and return the Consent Form, even if you do not consent for the student to be part of the study. If you do not receive a Meningococcal B Vaccine Herd Immunity Study pack from your child, and you think your child may be eligible, please ask at the Front Office.

Tracey Davey | Office Manager