August 30, 2021 – College update on COVID-19

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians of St Patrick’s College,

The College has received the following information from the Victorian Government regarding vaccinations for students. I encourage you to read this information.

As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, all Victorian school students aged 16 years and above are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

The Victorian Government aims to vaccinate all final year students by the time they sit their end-of-year exams. Final year students are therefore urged to immediately make an appointment to receive a vaccine by following the instructions under the heading ‘How to book an appointment’ below.

State vaccination centres have recently had their capacity increased to support Victoria’s drive to administer 1 million doses of the vaccine by 19 September.

Students completing their final year are particularly asked to book an appointment as soon as possible to support the safe conduct of examinations. As their parent/guardian, I encourage you to help them to book and if needed, support them to attend their appointment.

Final year students are asked to consider getting their first vaccine before the GAT on 9 September. In addition, it’s recommended not to get the vaccine on the day of an exam, or the day before an exam – to avoid feeling common but mild side effects such as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, fever and chills and/or joint pain during the exam.

Consent

Young people under 18 need parental consent for vaccination unless they are considered a ‘mature minor’. In this situation, students can book their own appointment and consent to vaccination themselves if the health professional assesses them to be a mature minor.

Booking an appointment

To book an appointment, visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website or contact the Coronavirus hotline by phoning 1800 675 398.

To find a vaccination centre and opening times, visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website.

From 30 August, people aged 16-39 can get their COVID-19 vaccine at a doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service.

You can find a participating doctor, pharmacy or community health service through the Australian Government Eligibility Checker. You can book your appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.

More information

The College has and will continue to encourage all teachers to get vaccinated. For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.

For further assistance, contact:

• the Department of Health Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398
• the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline: 1800 020 080

Yours sincerely

Steven O’Connor

Principal