Bendigo

Campus Life Bendigo Health
Immunisation Programs 2011

Immunisation Clinics
Immunisation clinics will run on dates to be confirmed. Appointments for these clinics are essential and can be made by contacting the Campus Health Services Reception on (03) 5444 7770. You will need to bring your current Medicare Card to your appointment. Students will need to bring their current University Student ID Card in order to receive any available discount.

* Flu Immunisation Clinic dates require confirmation closer to delivery date of vaccines. Please check with the clinic 7 days prior to your vaccination to ensure adequate stock.

Hepatitis B Immunisation Schedule
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a blood borne virus (BBV) which is known to cause chronic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cirrhosis and possibly liver cancer. In countries with low endemicity, most infections occur in young adults and especially among persons who belong to known high risk groups. Risk of HBV infection increases with:

• unprotected sexual contact
• injecting drug use
• household and sexual contact with known HBV infected persons
• incarceration
• workplace exposure to blood body fluids

Immunisation against the Hepatitis B virus should be given to all people in 'at risk situations', this particularly includes nurses, teachers and others working in close contact with the community. The immunisation course will comprise three (3) injections including two (2) injections a month apart followed by a third, approximately five months later. We also recommended that people undergoing this immunisation schedule confirm their immunity with pathology testing which will be arranged at your third appointment.

Hepatitis B Immunisations will be available at Immunisation clinics at a cost of AU$20.00 each (course of three injections will cost AU$60.00) and accounts are expected to be settled on the day of your appointment.

Mantoux Testing for Nursing Students - (TB - Tuberculosis testing)
DHS Tuberculosis Management, prevention and control of tuberculosis: Guidelines for health care providers 2002-2005

It is suggested (and required by most Hospitals in Victoria) that all nursing students undergo pathology testing to determine their exposure or level of immunity to Tuberculosis (TB). This is done through a baseline Mantoux test where a measured amount of Tuberculin is administered via a small injection in your arm, and then assessed 3 days later to determine your previous exposure or level of immunity to TB.

Once a baseline result has been established, it is suggested that Health Care Professionals have a routine Mantoux test every 2 years, depending on the initial result or risk of exposure through their work environment. BCG Vaccination may also be considered for those who have limited immunity and are working in 'at risk situations' however it is not necessarily advised for nursing students at this time, nor is it available on campus (you may be referred to another service provider for this should you require BCG vaccination).

Currently enrolled La Trobe University, Bendigo Students may make an appointment to see Dr Chan and have a pathology request form supplied for Mantoux testing at their nearest Pathology department.

Appointments to see Dr Chan are essential and can be made by contacting the Campus Health Services Reception on (03) 5444 7770.

Influenza (Flu) Immunisation Program
Influenza is much more than just a common cold and although it can sometimes be mistaken for a severe cold, Influenza and it's health complications are often much more serious than most people think. Commonly known as the 'Flu', the Influenza virus is easily passed from one person to another through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface. Symptoms usually last for about 1-2 weeks and include; sudden onset of fever with chills, body aches, headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose and loss of appetite. It is estimated that about 1,000 Australians die each year from the consequences of infection with the Influenza virus.

Influenza Immunisations are required annually to maintain adequate immunity against the virus for those deemed to be in 'at risk'.

Influenza Immunisations will be available at Immunisation clinics at a cost of AU$20.00 for general public, and AU$15 for University students; accounts are expected to be settled on the day of your appointment. Students will need to bring their current University Student ID Card in order to receive their discount. There is no cost for staff.

The health service also offers a range of other immunisations to the University Community and private patients of Dr Chan's at affordable prices. These include: