Health Services
Student Life
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.
The long awaited HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine Gardasil is available from Deakin University Health Service. Gardasil is available through general practice and other immunisation providers (for example local councils and community health centres) for eligible women aged 18 to 26 years who hold a valid Medicare card*. The three dose course must be completed by age 27 years or by June 2009.
Free vaccination will be available to women up to and including age 26 years for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, pre cancerous or dysplastic lesions, genital warts, and infection caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. High risk HPV types 16 and 18 account for more than 70% of cervical cancers in Australia.
Gardasil has been extensively trialed in North America, Europe and Australia for five years in over 20,000 people aged 9 to 26 years of age. In addition since 2006 around 2 million doses of the vaccine have been given after becoming licenced in the USA (DHS 2007).
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
Deakin University Health Service
The Facts
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
The Better Health Channel March 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.
University staff are encouraged to undertake influenza vaccination. Although recommended for certain at risk groups, influenza vaccination can be up to 90% effective in preventing influenza in healthy individuals 65 years or under (NHMRC 2000).
Faculties and divisions may choose to partially or fully subsidise influenza vaccination for their staff. Check with your appropriate faculty or divisional representative.
Budget areas may organise fully subsidised group payments. The procedure for group subsidised influenza vaccination is available from the booking forms section of this website.
Individual staff must either obtain and present an influenza vaccination voucher or influenza vaccination receipt (having paid for vaccination at the cashiers office or Student Life reception where this service is available) on the day of vaccination. Staff are also required to present a valid medicare card at time of appointment.
Influenza vaccination procedures (including appointment and payment systems) vary across campuses. For further information contact your local campus Health Service.
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.
