Immunisation

From 1 January 2018, children who are unvaccinated due to their parent’s conscientious objection can no longer be enrolled in child care. The Public Health Act 2010 prevents NSW child care centres from enrolling children unless approved documentation is provided that indicates that the child: 

• Is fully immunised for their age 
• Has a medical reason not be vaccinated 
• Is on a recognised catch up schedule 

The relevant vaccinations are those under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which covers the vaccines usually administered before age five. These vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). 

Children with medical contraindications or natural immunity for certain diseases will continue to be exempt from the requirements. 

Families eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and have children less than 20 years of age, who may not meet the new immunisation requirements, will be notified by Centrelink.