Services for students
Current students
It is important to be up to date with current health news, trends
and information.
This section contains information on topical, current and emerging health issues.
HPV (human papillomarvirus) vaccine still available for a limited time
The deadline is approaching for FREE HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for eligible young women in Australia. Funding for women (18-26 years) with a medicare card ends in June 2009. This means to obtain to the full course of HPV vaccine (3 vaccines over 6 months) vaccination must commence by December 2008. Once the program finishes HPV vaccine will cost approximately $150.00 per dose (that equates to a total of around $450.00 overall) on a private doctor’s script.
The vaccine is given as 3 injections over 6 months (e.g. 0, 2 and 6 months) into the upper arm. Appointments can be
made by contacting your local
campus Health Service. Note appointment procedures may differ on each campus.
What is the Herpes?
Herpes is a common viral infection (its estimated approximately 1 in 8 Australians carry the virus) caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV). The herpes virus can infect the anus, genitals, buttocks, thighs, mouth, lips as well as the face. Generally HSV-1 is found on the facial area while HSV-2 is commonly found around the genital area. Genital herpes can often be asymptomatic however can present itself as genital lesions, sometimes accompanied by fever, headache, malaise and muscle aches (myalgia).
How do you know if you have genital herpes?
Often you don't know. Genital herpes can be transmitted through sexual contact including touching and oral sex. If you suspect that you may have genital herpes it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor or health advisor to gain a correct diagnosis.
How do you manage genital herpes?
Simple treatment is available in the form of antiviral medication. Antiviral medication enables you to manage, treat, suppress and prevent further complications, as well as potentially preventing transmission.
Telling Partners
In order to prevent the virus being transmitted it is important to be honest with your partner (s). Talking and providing information to your partner can ease the stress related to the situation. It is also important that your partner be tested for the virus or any other sexually transmitted infections if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes.
Further information and advice
Contact Deakin University Health Service
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
The Better Health Channel September 2008 newsletter is now available. The Better Health Channel is a Victoria State Government web based service providing consumers access to accurate and up to date health related information and advice.
Deakin Health Service provides University staff and students access to affordable and convenient influenza vaccination.
Autumn (March, April and May) is the ideal time to undertake annual vaccination in preparation for the influenza season. Influenza vaccination IS NOW available from your local campus Health Service.
Influenza is a contagious viral disease, which can thrive in the workplace
as the virus is easily transmitted from person to person via coughs, sneezes
and surface contact.
Deakin students are encouraged to consider undertaking influenza vaccination during autumn. High risk groups and students requiring vaccination as part of clinical placement (eg nursing students) should receive influenza vaccination, however healthy young people can also benefit from vaccination. Influenza can cause severe illness and significantly affect university attendance and study progress.
Appointments can be made by contacting your local campus health service or student life reception area. Cost of individual vaccination is $20.00 unless you have a current health care card.
NuvaRing, a newly available monthly contraceptive method is now available on private prescription in Australia. NuvaRing is a plastic ring containing both oestrogen and progestogen which is inserted inside the vagina to prevent pregnancy.
