The Cardinia Shire Council immunisation service delivers a school-based immunisation program to children living or being educated within the municipality. The Secondary School Immunisation Program (SSIP) offers free vaccines to all eligible Year 7 and Year 10 students. Throughout the 2025 school year, Pakenham Secondary College will be hosting an immunisation session for each of these year levels.  

The Cardinia Shire Council use an online platform provided by the Victorian Department of Health, called the Central Immunisation Records Victoria (CIRV) to manage those receiving an immunisation. Your school will provide you with an immunisation session visit date, along with a CIRV portal link to complete an online consent form for your child. (Early 2025)

Parents/guardians are required to complete this online form, even if they choose not to consent for their child to be vaccinated at school. If Council do not receive a yes or no consent, further follow up and correspondence will be sent.
 
The following vaccines are offered through the Secondary School Immunisation Program:
 
Year 7 students    

• Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 
Year 10 students 

• Meningococcal ACWY 

 
For further information on the Secondary School Vaccine Program, please visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools