The school-based immunisation program (SBIP) will soon get underway in the Huon Valley. This is one of the most important public health programs Council delivers each year, providing free, nationally approved vaccines to eligible high school students.
New for 2026: digital consent
This year, Huon Valley Council is transitioning to a digital consent system, powered by Vitavo. This replaces the paper consent cards that families may be familiar with from previous years.
The new system allows parents and guardians to:
✅ Complete a single digital profile covering their child’s immunisations for the year
✅ Submit consent quickly and securely from any device
✅ Avoid the risk of paper forms being lost or returned incomplete
This change has been introduced to make the process more straightforward for families and to reduce administrative burden on schools. We encourage all parents and guardians to complete their child’s digital consent form promptly upon receiving it from their school.
What vaccines are available?
Through the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the following free vaccines are available to high school students:
| Year Level | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | HPV (Human Papillomavirus) |
| Year 7 | dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Whooping Cough) |
| Year 10 | Meningococcal ACWY |
These vaccines protect young people against serious, potentially life-threatening diseases at no cost to families.
Why vaccination matters
We understand that many families have experienced vaccine fatigue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to note that these vaccines address diseases that remain a genuine risk to young people:
- HPV vaccination helps prevent several cancers later in life, including cervical cancer
- dTpa protects against whooping cough, which can be severe in adolescents and dangerous to vulnerable household members
- Meningococcal ACWY protects against a fast-moving bacterial infection that can be life-threatening within hours
These vaccines are safe, free, and proven effective. Without a completed consent form, students cannot receive their vaccinations — even if they wish to do so. Returning your consent form is the single most important step you can take to ensure your child is protected.
When is the program running?
Huon Valley Council will be delivering the SBIP in local high schools during Term One, 2026. Your child’s school will be in contact with specific dates. We encourage families not to wait — complete your digital consent form as soon as it is received.
Find out more
For more information about school-based immunisation program visit Childhood vaccinations | Tasmanian Department of Health
For more information about the vaccines offered, or how the digital consent process works, please contact your child’s school. If you have specific medical questions, we encourage you to speak with your GP.