Bendigo

Campus Life Bendigo Health
Campus Nurse - Immunisation Programs 2008

The campus nurse facilitates a number of immunisation programs that take place each year for the University Community. Immunisation's against such viruses as Hepatitis B (see schedule below), Tetanus, Measles, Mumps and Rubella and Influenza (Flu). Some travel immunisation's are available at the clinic also. For further information on stock and cost of immunisations, please contact Campus Health Services Reception on (03) 5444 7390.

Gardasil Immunisation Program (HPV Vaccine)
From July 2007 until June 2009, the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program funded by the Australian Government will be available through the on campus Medical Clinic for currently enrolled female students between 18-26 years of age.  

The vaccine, Gardasil, has been approved for use in the HPV Program against two strains of HPV which accounts for approx. 70% of cervical cancers.  HPV is a sexually transmitted virus infecting four out of five people at some time in their lives. 

As there is no way of knowing which infected women will ultimately develop cervical cancer, all girls and young women should be vaccinated.  Vaccination with HPV vaccine is most effective when it is given to females before they are likely to be exposed to HPV.   For more information, please visit: http://www.health.gov.au/cervicalcancer

The vaccine is given as a series of three injections, usually given within a 7 month period: day 0, 2 months later and 5 months later (similar to Hepatitis B immunisations). We expect there will be a high demand for the FREE  vaccine due to age restrictions for eligibility, so please be sure to allow plenty of time when making your clinic bookings.  

Hepatitis B Immunisation Schedule
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a sexually transmitted tnfection (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 7390.

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 from 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 staff and 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. Those with a current Health Care Card should make an appointment to see their GP for a presciption.


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