Please note: this is an old article
It was published in August 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.
Greater Shepparton City Council is urging parents to have their two year olds vaccinated with a free, one off pneumococcal vaccine.
"The vaccine has been improved in recent years," said Greg McKenzie, Manager Sustainability and Environment. "We want kids who had their two, four and/or six month vaccinations before the improved one was released in July last year to get the benefit of the new vaccine."
The free vaccine promotion, being run in conjunction with the Department of Health, will run until 30 September 2012.
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause illnesses such as middle ear infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections and meningitis. The improved vaccine covers strains of the bacteria that have become more common in recent years.
The improved vaccine has been available since 1 July 2011, and has been free since October 2011, but Mr McKenzie says that data indicates parents haven't been taking it up as much as health services would like.
"I urge parents to check their records and see when their toddler received their last pneumococcal vaccination so that they can determine if they need this extra round," he said.
Parents can arrange for their eligible toddler to visit their doctor or attend a council vaccination session as soon as they can before the program ends on 30 September 2012.
For more information call Council on 03 5832 9700, or visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- Released 27 August 2012